Sport

Eddery, Walwyn and Iamus a winning team

PAT EDDERY can team up with his old boss to land division one of the Dennis Fidler Maiden Stakes at Nottingham today on Iamus…

Tue Apr 02 1996 - 01:00

PAT EDDERY can team up with his old boss to land division one of the Dennis Fidler Maiden Stakes at Nottingham today on Iamus.

Eddery enjoyed plenty of success as stable jockey to Peter Walwyn in the early part of his career, notably on 1975 Derby winner Grundy. Subsequent retainers with Jeremy Tree and then Khaled Abdulla have limited the 10 times champion jockey's rides for Walwyn.

But as a freelance he is now free to take opportunities offered by the Lambourn trainer. And Eddery will have needed little persuasion to partner Iamus, one of the best maidens in the country judged on his performance when just over three lengths last of four in the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.

That effort almost certainly flatters Iamus, who was never seen in the race with a chance and merely ran on in the latter stages when the race was virtually over. But he had previously shown more than enough ability to land this contest, notably when runner up in decent maiden events at Salisbury and York.

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A more mature Iamus will see out the mile trip better than when he was outstayed over the trip on the latter course and he looks poised for a successful reappearance.

Dana Point is worth backing on his return to a mile in the Langworth Apprentices' Handicap. He travelled very strongly until his stamina gave way in a mile and quarter event at Newcastle last week and much better can be expected of him now that he returns to a more suitable trip.

Dana Point won an apprentice contest over this distance at Redcar on his only start last season and should repeat the feat today.

Vicosa could prove the answer to the `Gay Record' Challenge Trophy Handicap Chase at Folkestone. The seven year old looked a fair prospect when winning here in November but has been restricted to just two outings since. He probably needed the race when runner up at Huntingdon last month and can go one better this time.

. Bookmakers Coral yesterday reported that initial figures suggest turnover in their shops for Saturday's Martell Grand National reached £60 million.