The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Madhmoon can end veteran trainer’s wait
Prendergast a Classic winner 42 years ago
MADHMOON can end Kevin Prendergast’s 42-year wait for a second British Classic success with victory in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
It was all the way back in 1977 that the now 86-year-old trainer saddled Nebbiolo to win the Rowley Mile showpiece.
The veteran handler has enjoyed a whole host of big-race victories over the subsequent four decades – including eight Irish Classics – and although he has not enjoyed the same level of success in Britain, Madhmoon could be the colt to put it right.
The son of Dawn Approach looked every inch a top-class prospect when making a winning debut at Leopardstown last summer, and was just as impressive when stepped up to Group Two level on Irish Champions Weekend.
Following some bullish reports, it was admittedly a shade disappointing to see him beaten on his seasonal reappearance in the 2,000 Guineas Trial last month, but there were mitigating factors – namely the testing conditions.
Prendergast is adamant his latest stable star will improve significantly for the run and with fast ground forecast, Madhmoon is expected to make his presence felt.
DEFOE can get his season back on track by registering back-to-back victories in the Roaring Lion Jockey Club Stakes.
Roger Varian’s grey made a flying start to the 2018 campaign, landing the John Porter at Newbury before following up in this Group Two contest.
He went on to run with credit at Group One level on three occasions and was well fancied to win the John Porter again on his recent return.
His performance in finishing fourth was a little underwhelming, but Varian is of the opinion his charge needed the run more than he expected and he will have no such excuses this weekend.
Defoe deserves another chance to prove the fire still burns bright.
QABALA created such a big impression when winning the Nell Gwyn Stakes that she is hard to oppose in tomorrow’s Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
It was no wonder the Varian-trained filly leapt to the head of the ante-post market for the race after she showed a tremendous turn of foot to beat stablemate Mot Juste.
The winning margin of threequarters of a length did not really do her justice and, more significantly, she was not stopping at the end of the seven furlongs.
It is highly unlikely she has stopped improving either, because that was only her second racecourse appearance after making a winning debut over the course and distance in September.
William Haggas may hit the target at Hamilton with DEPUTISE, who made a promising seasonal debut when beaten just a head by Pizzicato at Lingfield.
The Kodiac colt won four times last term and can add to that tally in tomorrow’s Hamilton Park Racecourse New Hotel Tangerine Trees Conditions Stakes.