Defoe Delights Varian Ahead of Coronation Cup Defense

Defoe is reported in top shape for his bid to defend the Hurworth Bloodstock Coronation Cup (G1) crown he lifted at Epsom last summer.

Roger Varian's 6-year-old will face an intriguing clash with likely warm favorite Ghaiyyath, staying sensation Stradivarius, and last year's Investec Derby (G1) hero, Anthony Van Dyck, in the rearranged Newmarket contest June 5.

The trainer is excited about the prospect, saying: "He's in good form, he looks great. He's trained nicely for the race, and I think he's improved a few lengths off his Meydan run in the spring.

"It's a warm, select field, but I'm happy with conditions and happy to be there."

Varian admits he would have preferred the race to be run at its traditional Epsom home, given Defoe excelled on the famous Surrey Downs last year.

Defoe landed his first group 1 when beating Kew Gardens by half a length in a stirring finish that day and followed up in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot. 

"Defoe loved it round Epsom that day," Varian said. "However, he has run well in two Jockey Clubs (G2) at Newmarket, and I have no complaints. Of course, this isn't a normal year, and I'm delighted the Coronation Cup is on. It promises to be a great race."

Ghaiyyath, a rampant 14-length winner of a Baden-Baden group 1 in September before finishing 10th behind winner Waldgeist in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), made a successful reappearance in a Meydan group 3 in February and gives the distinct impression the best is yet to come.

His trainer, Charlie Appleby, said: "If Ghaiyyath turns up on his 'A' game, then they have got him to beat. His last run in Dubai was over a mile and a quarter, and this step back up to a mile and a half will suit him; it's his best trip.

"He's in great order and looks the finished article now as a 5-year-old. All being well, a nice European campaign lies ahead for him this year."

Friday's mile and a half will be the shortest trip Stradivarius has encountered since landing a Beverley handicap over a mile and a quarter off a mark of just 78 three years ago.

Since then, he has developed into a true icon of the staying division with an official rating of 122, winning the Gold Cup (G1) at Royal Ascot in both 2018 and 2019 as well as three Goodwood Cups (G1). He won 10 in a row before going down by a nose to Kew Gardens in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (G2) at Ascot in October.