Roger Varian’s selective approach has made him a man to watch on the international racing scene. The British trainer struck at the Dubai World Cup meeting in 2016 with Postponed and has registered other major successes in America, Canada and France.
Although Eldar Eldarov travelled a somewhat shorter distance last year, he became another major overseas triumph when adding the G1 Irish St Leger (2800m) to a haul which already included the G1 English St Leger of 2022 (2800m).
The thoughtful, softly-spoken Varian considers Saturday’s G2 Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors to be another logical step for his smart stayer.
“We always like to be represented at the international meetings but there’s no point in coming if you don’t have the right horse,” he said. “Eldar fits the race well and we’re pleased with his condition.
“We made the decision to come a long time ago. It was after the Irish St Leger that we decided that we wouldn’t run deep into the autumn on heavy ground, we’d give him a break, get him trained early and this would be his first race.”
The only particular concern for Eldar Eldarov will be the 3200m trip, as his best form so far has been at 2800m and he failed to last out the 4000m challenge of the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
