This G3 1200m Open Handicap saw a noted closer in Natuzzi rekindle his big surge from years past to win narrowly. The 8yo has not won a race for a year but the way he zoomed the last bit to score by a neck in 1:09.90 and record his overall eleventh victory in forty starts was the Natuzzi of old. He was third in this race in 2013 under 59kg and had 58kg in this so was well in and after getting back on the inner pierced through the final 50m to get up. Irish Moon, also well in at the weights, was a clear leader throughout and only got caught the final 10m. Fire Jet the favourite had a soft sit third the inside and tried hard for third beaten half a length but had every chance to win. Statham ran a better race for fourth and he too was well in at the weights. Shezhardtocatch and Biggin Hill were seen running on well wider out the closing stages while Fully Funded fought on okay and Mr Knowitall found the line the inside. Red Striker and Ryan Mark the third and second favourites finished second last and last but were not beaten too far and can be forgiven. The former is best when let rip with one surge the run home while the latter under 60kg could not ping the run in and maybe better with cover these days. Natuzzi is quality when right but being an 8yo it suggests the opposition are getting worse plus he beat a 7yo in Irish Moon with the shining light being the third finisher Fire Jet is a 4yo but he did have every chance. The time was okay but when you consider a 3yo maiden debut winner that looks the real deal in Night’s Watch won the second race on the card easily in 1:10.74 and the winner of the Ratings 75 in 4yo mare Volks Lightning clocked 1:10.46 that gives it perspective. The latter could well be meeting many of these over summer. This was not a changing of the guard field of sprinters as too many are older or past there best so will not prove to be a sprinting Spring or renaissance of the jump and runs. The irony is the last two home in Red Striker and Ryan Mark are more likely to form reverse next time seen out.