Roger Varian’s Defoe going for gold in Hamilton’s Glasgow Stakes on Friday
Defoe was last seen winning a hot handicap at York and Varian believes his three-year-old deserves a step up in class with the extra trip set to suit as well
ROGER VARIAN's Defoe will aim to continue his recent hot streak in Hamilton's British Stallion Studs EBF Glasgow Stakes on Friday.
The three-year-old has won the London Gold Cup at Newbury and a hot handicap at York this season.
Now he travels even further north to Scotland, but it is a race Varian has had his eye on for some time.
"This race has always been the plan for Defoe following his victory at York and he is a progressive individual who has earned a step up in grade," Varian told www.varianstable.com.
"The extra furlong on a stiff track will suit, as will any of the forecast rainfall."
Defoe is not the top-rated horse in the field, though, with that honour going to William Haggas' Call To Mind.
Owned by the Queen, he won on his debut and was not disgraced behind Permian at Royal Ascot.
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"He's in good form and I thought he ran very well at Ascot," said Haggas.
"This looks an interesting race for him.
"For one with so little experience I thought he performed with great credit at Ascot.
"He's a real galloper, he (Jim Crowley) couldn't pull him up there so he's got plenty of stamina, that's for sure."
Mark Johnston runs Frankuus and Monticello, while David Simcock sends Fierce Impact.
The 10-year-old Hoof It heads the weights for the John Smith's Scottish Stewards' Cup with Muntadab, Naggers and Sharp Defence others declared.