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Trainers confident of staying ability in Group 2 winning daughter of Makfi

Trainers Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer are confident of the staying abilities of the Group 2 winning filly Needle And Thread (Makfi) ahead of Saturday's New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m). 

The daughter of former Westbury Stud shuttler Makfi (Dubawi) was narrowly beaten by New Zealand Oaks favourite Amarelinha (Savabeel) last start in the Sunline Vase (Gr 3, 2100m) on a Slow8 track, which was not to the filly’s liking, and has drawn barrier four for the Group 1 with the track rated a Dead5 and fine forecast ahead of the race. 

"That's a draw that you couldn't complain about," Autridge said.

"We are going to be in the first half a dozen in the running, so a handy draw like that is spot on.

"I don't think she has to lead but I haven't delved into the speed maps in the race just yet.

"She is on the way up. She has improved from the run in the Sunline Vase."

Autridge said the Needle And Thread has given him every indication that she will stay the 2400 metre trip. 

"Breeding wise the 2400 metres shouldn't be an issue," Autridge continued. 

"Her trackwork gives us every indication she will stay, plus the fact that even after the line in the Sunline Vase Craig was flat pulling her up. She wanted to go around again.

"The race has got to be run the right way to prove us right.

"The last 600-700 metres she has got to be in a position where she can be going forward and not being held up. That is the tricky thing in a mile and a half race because you have got the horses that are not going to see it out coming back in front of you, if you're not in front of them.

"This filly is just in peak form and looks like she wants to stay."