Epsom Goal for Stratum Record Breaker

Lightly raced Stratum gelding As Needed resumed from a spell with a resounding victory at Randwick on Saturday, lowering the course record for 1300 metres.

Prepared by Anthony Cummings and ridden by James McDonald, As Needed had won three of his four previous runs and had tuned up with a recent trial win.

Sent out favourite, he always looked the horse to beat and forged clear to win by a length and a half in 1.15.43 which bettered the former record held by Judged, set in March 2009.

“This is a real good horse this one,” James McDonald said.

“He’s got a slashing turn of foot.

“Now I’ve just got to stay on him now.”

Anthony Cummings has a big opinion of the Gooree Stud bred gelding and expects he can be competing in Group races by the end of the spring with the Group I ATC Epsom Handicap on October 4 his main mission.

“He’s just a really nice horse and despite his age (five-year-old) he’s still improving,” he said.

“He was given plenty of time by his previous owners Gooree.

“They elected to sell him but I am thankful I had some owners that wanted to pitch up for him and it’s a good result for all.”

As Needed has won four of five starts earning $139,325 in prizemoney and is a half-brother to stakes-placed Zutara from Group III winning Zabeel mare Matras.