3 minute read

Headgear applied to Haggas-trained british raider.

The William Haggas-trained Addeybb (Pivotal) will have the blinkers applied for the first time when he attempts to defend his Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) crown at Randwick on Saturday. 

The son of Pivotal (Polar Falcon) - who has been in drawn barrier three - will be hoping to turn the tables on the Chris Waller-trained mare Verry Elleegant (Zed), who got the better of the seven-year-old gelding in the Ranvet Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) on March 27. 

Jockey Tom Marquand announced the gear change during an interview at ATC's Trackwork With The Stars event. 

"To be honest we haven't changed all that much. The only thing we have done is whack some blinkers on him," he said with a grin.

"That's something he's never had on before, but I think it's probably about time. He's had cheek pieces (winkers) on for the last three or four years, so it's not like they're going to be a big shock to the system or anything for him.

"He's not going to suddenly grow a spectacular pair of wings and do something that he's never done before, but it might just help in the run, help him travel and put a bit of a spark back into him." 

Marquand is hoping that the gear change is enough to make up for the seven-year-old's underwhelming performance in the Ranvet Stakes. 

"Honestly I couldn't help but walk away thinking that it was a touch below par," Marquand said.

"It was a huge run, I wouldn't want to say that it wasn't, and obviously Verry Elleegant was very good on the day. But, I just couldn't help but think he didn't quite hit that last 100 metres like he normally does. 

"Realistically, it's probably a good thing that we were beaten by Verry Elleegant. But, we didn't feel like we were completely on song, because otherwise you'd be thinking 'where are we going to pull a length from?'

"He's done really well out of the run and I'm looking forward to the weekend and seeing how much he can find off the back of the Ranvet."