• Victory in Geoffrey Freer Stakes rekindles expectations• Trainer says Doncaster classic is now ‘logical next step’
Martyn Meade can dream once more of a first Classic success, having got Technician back on track with a surprise victory in the Geoffrey Freer. The 71-year-old trainer has tackled the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby with high hopes in recent seasons, only to see Advertise and Eminent come up short, but next month’s St Leger may provide him with a happier outcome.
Technician was himself tried in a couple of Derby trials in the spring and fared respectably when runner-up to Bangkok at Sandown, but Saturday’s performance was a new career best as he outbattled the favourite, Morando, after a protracted duel up the soggy home straight. He took a long time to get on top but looked the likely winner from over a furlong out and appears well suited by a test of stamina.