Defender is in prime form

Ready to roll: Prime Defender runs at Doncaster on Saturday

13 April 2012

Trainer Barry Hills believes Prime Defender is looking good for a second success in the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday.

The seven-year-old campaigner will be making his fourth appearance in the Listed race, which is one of the highlight's on the first big day of the new turf Flat season.

He won the six-furlong event in 2009, finished runner-up last year - he was half-a-length behind Inxile - and was fourth in 2008.

Hills says Prime Defender, who won the valuable Group Two Duke of York Stakes at the Knavesmire last season, is in good form having flourished over the winter break.

He added: "We should have a few runners at Doncaster headed by Prime Defender. He wintered well and enjoyed his break at the National Stud.

"He's been moving well on the gallops and we are hopeful of another good performance in a race he has won and finished second in."

Hills is also upbeat about the chances of Hail Promenader, who lines up in the 1m2f williamhill.com handicap on the same card.

The five-year-old, who is set to be ridden by seven-pound claimer Matthew Lawson, finished unplaced at Goodwood on his last start in July.

Hills added: "Hail Promenader has been gelded over the winter and now looks in tremendous form."

Meanwhile, William Haggas says last season's William Hill Lincoln winner Penitent could miss the big race at Doncaster on Saturday.

The five-year-old, who is top weight for this year's renewal, beat Prime Exhibit last year but trainer Haggas told the Racing Post: "I'm not convinced he'll run because he does like a bit of cut in the ground.

"We have him in the Magnolia Stakes at Kempton on Saturday and a Group Three at Saint-Cloud on Sunday."

Defender is in prime form

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