Roger Varian reports Defoe to be in “great form” ahead of Newmarket challenge
Defoe hacked up in the John Porter Stakes at Newbury two weeks ago and, after being supplemented at the cost of £6,000, is a strong favourite for the Jockey Club Stakes.
ROGER VARIAN believes rapidly improving Defoe "deserves to be favourite" for the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
The Dalakhani colt made great strides last season, winning four races on the bounce before failing to fire when well fancied in the St Leger.
However, he got back on track with a bloodless win at Newbury two weeks ago and has been supplemented for Saturday's Group 2 on the Rowley Mile at the expense of £6,000.
Varian said: "He is in good form. He came out of the Newbury so well. It was a kind first run for him and he didn't have a hard race. He really is bouncing at home and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid has supplemented him.
"I think he deserves to be favourite - it's never easy at that level and it will be in a tough race, but he is in good form.
"He is a pretty good horse and he was most of last year. You can put a line through the St Leger as he was not quite right when he came home that day.
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Defoe is a red-hot favourite to see off just four rivals.
Andrew Balding's Count Octave was a winner on the all-weather at Wolverhampton last time and reverts to turg, while the Clive Cox-trained Khalidi drops in grade after struggling in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
David Elsworth's Winter Derby winner Master The World and Red Verdon from Ed Dunlop's yard complete the line-up.