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.
“We’ll only find out on the track but he’s training really well, there are positives to take on his pedigree and he should keep improving with age,” Varian said of the five-year-old son of Dubawi, who is from a famous family bred by Kirsten Rausing which includes her brilliant 2022 G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) winner Alpinista.
“We don’t think he stayed the extended trip in the Gold Cup but his run in the Yorkshire Cup was very good, and obviously he won the Irish St Leger. We’re hopeful that his best is still to come and he’s already achieved a good amount.”
Although this will be a first trip to the United Arab Emirates for Eldar Eldarov, named after a Bahrain-based mixed martial arts champion by his owner KHK Racing, he does have the assistance of the vastly experienced James Doyle in the saddle.
“I think it’s a good race. a strong renewal and a full field,” Varian said. “James knows his way round here and he’s a good man to have on side. I’m happy with the draw in 10 and we’re looking forward to it.”