Deadly Defoe hits the target
DEFOE continued his rise to the top with a smooth victory in the Jockey Club Stakes yesterday.
A furlong out James Doyle looked to have stolen the race with a dashing move on Red Verdon.
But Andrea Atzeni kept his cool and Defoe picked up his rival in the final furlong to power clear up the hill.
Atzeni said: “He did well to win, at one point when James grabbed the rail I thought, ‘We need a good horse here to pick him up’, but when he hit the rising ground he galloped out nicely.
“We don’t know how good this fellow is, he keeps improving.”
Trainer Roger Varian said: “It was a tough race to watch and it always threatened to be a tactical race, they went steady but Andrea always looked comfortable.
“James made a very good move on the blind side and it looked like he might have stolen it.
“I was really impressed with him and he got us out of trouble.
“He’s in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in three weeks and it’s a route we’d still like to go down.
“Royal Ascot is the aim but ground might dictate our plans. We got away with it but if the ground got quick we might have to protect him.” of him. He said when he quickened it was all over in a flash.
“It’s very exciting when they have that speed and look like they’ll get further. All things point to June and the Derby now.
“That’s 300 Group Ones wins for Aidan and Donnacha’s first Classic. They are an incredible family.”
O’Brien’s eldest son, Joseph, said: “It’s very special. I thought Donnacha gave him a lovely ride.
“He’s definitely a good horse. He’s travelled and went through the line well.”
Teal was proud of the effort of Tip Two Win and said: “I can’t put it into words. I’m pinching myself.
“I was trying to watch it out the front but I didn’t bring my binoculars, so all I could see was his white breast girth.
“When he came out of the Dip I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got a chance of winning the Guineas’ and then he flashed by me.
“It’s amazing. We knew we had a decent animal. He was only a 50-1 shot because he was trained by me.
“It’s just a proud moment for us and I’m delighted for Anne Cowley, the owner.
“We entered him for the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, so I guess it will be that or the Jersey.”
Charlie Appleby said of Masar: “He lost nothing in defeat there.
“He has progressed with every run. William Buick was very happy that he got into a nice rhythm there. He said he just felt when they quickened up he just lacked that turn of foot.
“He is a horse with a Derby pedigree and that’s where we will head now, all being well.”
Mark Johnston also said that Elarqam will probably go up in trip with the Dante at York looking a likely next target. SAXON HOARD: Saxon Warrior and Donnacha O’Brien