Addeybb in top shape for Elleegant rematch – now just rain needed
Champion Stakes hero feels ‘much sharper’.
William Haggas believes Addeybb will prove a tougher nut for Verry Elleegant to crack in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on Saturday – as long as the ground is soft enough. The Champion Stakes winner finished second to Australia’s best horse three weeks ago in the Ranvet Stakes, a race he had won 12 months earlier. Addeybb also won the Queen Elizabeth last year, but after a late scare with a foot problem last month, Haggas expects some improvement – with a switch in headgear another reason to expect a bold showing. “They are really happy with him, but we could do with some rain. I’ve seen differing forecasts,” said Haggas. “I think there’s improvement in him, I just don’t think he went through his last race with any gusto whereas normally he’s a very strong traveller. “He still fought in the straight, but it took him an age to get by the leader where usually he zips by and says to the others ‘come and get me’. “Tom (Marquand) said he was rusty and I thought the foot affected him. He very nearly didn’t run, but it he was improving all the time so he did run. “We’re putting a pair of half-blinkers on him which I’ve been wanting to do for a bit. He’s had cheekpieces on a while now. “Tom rode him the other day in blinkers and said he felt much sharper, but I said he would do because his feet are fine and he’s had a race so he will be sharper. “I did say to him though, it was his call, I’m 12,000 miles away and if you want to put them on then do so. We do need rain, though, because he’s not as good on good to firm.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Michael Owen on the scoresheet with It Ain’t Two
Speedy filly has some lofty targets in front of her.
-
Skelton adds Cheltenham winner to championship prize-money haul
No joy for Paul Nicholls after narrow defeat in the last.
-
Imperial rule put Brennan at the top of his sport
So many big-race wins to look back on, but the 2010 Gold Cup will always be special.
-
Brennan bows out in style with Cheltenham success
Veteran jockey called time on his stellar career after Manothepeople prevailed.
-
Appleby building up transatlantic satellite squad
Newmarket trainer: ‘There’s a nice programme out there for those types of horses.’
-
Native Approach primed for big Craven test
Appleby: ‘He looks great at home but he’s got to go and switch it on on the turf now.’
-
Galopin Des Champs heading Punchestown ‘A-team’ for Mullins
State Man, Lossiemouth and Ballyburn all set for big-race action in Kildare.
-
Pretty Crystal denies Dance Sequence in Nell Gwyn
Richard Fahey’s filly claims 1000 Guineas trial by a neck at Newmarket.
-
El Fabiolo set for Sandown as Mullins chases title glory
Irish maestro shows he means business in clash with Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls.
-
Smooth Earl Of Sefton repeat for Ottoman Fleet
Charlie Appleby’s charge travelled strongly and showed a neat turn of foot.