James Garfield wins under Frankie Dettori
James Garfield wins under Frankie Dettori

James Garfield purrs in Greenham to set up 2000 Guineas tilt


James Garfield confirmed his liking for Newbury with a second Group success at the Berkshire track in the Al Basti Equiworld Supporting Greatwood Greenham Stakes.

Winner of the Mill Reef Stakes last September, the George Scott-trained colt showed he had trained on by producing a battling display to gain a narrow verdict in the hands of Frankie Dettori.

Hey Gaman made the running and stuck on gamely as his rivals closed in with James Garfield (3/1) challenging strongly on the stands side to collect the Classic trial by three-quarters of a length.

Expert Eye, the 7/4 favourite, took second place by a short head from Hey Gaman.

Scott said: "Anyone looking at him in the paddock could see he was fit and ready today and I liked the way he finished off his race so well.

"His attitude, his will to win and his toughness make him what he is and he'll be my first Classic runner in the Guineas in two weeks. It's just a dream for me and I feel so very lucky.

"We were going away from the others at the line and Frankie was delighted. He's so cool in these situations while I'm there shaking like a tree.

"I'm pretty confident Frankie will ride him at Newmarket as he's a close friend of the Gredleys (owners). He lived next door to them for 10 years."

James Garfield was cut to 20/1 from 33/1 for the Qipco 2000 Guineas with Sky Bet.

Sir Michael Stoute, trainer of Expert Eye, felt the ground may not have been ideal.

He told Newbury's Twitter account: "He went through the stalls much better. He has done a lot of work with Gary (Witheford) and his son. He would prefer quicker ground. We will take our time before deciding which Guineas to go for."

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