Defoe (l) leads from Wall Of Fire
Defoe (l) leads from Wall Of Fire

Defoe enhances St Leger claims in Geoffrey Freer


Defoe enhanced his prospects for the William Hill St Leger with a clear-cut victory in the Betfred Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury.

The Roger Varian-trained colt dispensed with older horses in some style as he took his 100 per cent record this season to four.

To Eternity made the running well into the straight, while Andrea Atzeni had Defoe switched off in last place until asking him to take closer order.

The 13/8 favourite made eyecatching progress to go on after Frontiersman had briefly led two furlongs out.

Wall Of Fire tried to challenge on the inside of Defoe but the gap closed and Hugo Palmer's four-year-old had to switch and was three-quarters of a length down at the line.

The first two pulled three and a half lengths clear of Frontiersman in third place.

The stewards allowed the result to stand following an inquiry into the incident.

Atzeni said: "He's a gem of a horse. He's very laid-back and you wouldn't think he'd had a race. The horse is getting better and he could be anything. At least we know that he stays. The Leger will be a very good race, but this fellow will go there with a big chance.

"He will also be a nice four-year-old."

Emma Clutterbuck, pupil assistant to trainer Hugo Palmer, said of the runner-up: "The horse has run an absolute blinder.

"He has finished in the first three, which is important in getting qualification for the Melbourne Cup. He is owned by some Australians and that is where they hope he will end up."

Wall Of Fire was introduced by Sky Bet at 25/1 for the Emirates Melbourne Cup. Red Cardinal is the 12/1 favourite for the 'race that stops a nation'.

Sky Bet cut Defoe to 7/1 (from 11/1) for the St Leger and spokesman Michael Shinners said: "It would have been interesting to see how the race would have panned out if Wall Of Fire had enjoyed a clear run but Defoe travelled strongly into the race and is progressing rapidly.

"He's now 7/1 with ourselves for the William Hill St Leger and looks a live contender in a year that lacks standout performers."

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo