 Leading Warwick Farm trainer Guy Walter has
announced plans to target the Australasian Weight-for-Age Championship with Defier after
that gelding scored an exciting win in Saturday’s Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes.Although admitting the race was a long way off and his gelding
needed to continue to make the necessary improvement, the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in
October will his main target in the spring.
In a rapidly changing race over the latter stages it looked
as though a number of gallopers including Manner Hill, Emission and Freemason were all set
for victory before Defier came with a flying burst to claim the race by a long head.
 Freemason ran second while Emission was a length
and a quarter back in third place just ahead of the early leader Manner Hill, who gave a
great sight when attempting to lead throughout.
Defier was the second favourite in a race who’s
betting was dominated by the top class weight-for-age galloper Shogun Lodge.
After racing in his usual position toward the rear of the
field, Shogun Lodge was eased down over the final stages by race jockey Glen Boss, who was
initially concerned the gelding may have gone amiss.
Trainer Bob Thomsen said after the race he failed to find
any problem with the gelding immediately after pulling up, however the vet reported the
gelding was distressed after his second last placing.
PICS - Quentin
Lang. |
