DEFOE is fancied to beat some illustrious rivals to register a repeat victory in the Group 1 Hurworth Bloodstock Coronation Cup (3.35) at Newmarket.
Roger Varian’s six-year-old, who arrived late to get the better of Kew Gardens and lift the 12-furlong prize at Epsom 12 months ago, must overcome Group 1 winner Ghaiyyath, star stayer Stradivarius and last year’s Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck if he is to repeat the trick.
But the gelded son of Dalakhani, who captured the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes over this course and distance two years ago, can prove up to the job.
Defoe’s progress from handicapper to Group 1 winner is the latest example of trainer Varian’s craft. He produced his best form at five in 2010 - Defoe followed his Coronation Cup
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