Defoe delights Roger Varian as he claims Porter prize on seasonal bow

Watch the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes won by Defoe at Newbury on Saturday and Tom Stanley's interview with winning trainer Roger Varian.

Defoe made an impressive seasonal debut when romping home in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury.

Well beaten in the St Leger on his final start in 2017 after winning his four previous races, the Roger Varian-trained colt appears to be in for a lucrative campaign judged on this display in the Group Three contest registered as the John Porter Stakes.

Titi Makfi took the field along while Andrea Atzeni was happy to sit in fifth place on Defoe, with only Call To Mind behind him.

Defoe caught the eye when asked to improve early in the straight and it looked only a matter of time before the 5-4 favourite put the race to bed.

He duly cruised into the lead a furlong out and only had to be pushed out to score by two and a half lengths from Danehill Kodiac.

Varian said: "He looked a very progressive horse all through last year, but was as flat as a pancake after the Leger.

"The only consolation was that it wasn't his form at all and as you might expect from a horse by Dalakhani out of a Pivotal mare, he will, and has, got stronger.

"Distance-wise, he might be a horse we can go a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half with. I shall make an entry for the Tattersalls Gold Cup."

Defoe was given a quote of 6-1 for the Group One at the Curragh with Betfair, while Paddy Power went 5-1.