 |
|
| Sumita Pawar |
 |
Roger Varian is considering the possibility of entering Eldar Eldarov in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger, following the horse's satisfactory performance in the Goodwood Cup.
The previous year's St Leger champion began the season well, finishing second in the Yorkshire Cup. However, he had something to prove after a slightly disappointing run in the Ascot Gold Cup. In the Goodwood contest, although unable to challenge the runaway winner Quickthorn, Eldar Eldarov finished fourth, surpassing his previous form at Knavesmire by defeating Giavellotto and staying ahead of Courage Mon Ami, John and Thady Gosden's Gold Cup champion.
“It was a muddling race and a frustrating race to watch, but I thought he ran right back to form,” said Varian.
“He was a head behind Andrew Balding’s horse (Coltrane) and reversed the form with the Marco Botti horse who beat him of course at York. We were giving him weight that day whereas off levels we beat him the other day.
“It’s hard not to say that within a 1lb or two, Eldar wasn’t back to somewhere near his best so that is encouraging.”
The exact plans for the 4YO next race have not been finalized yet. Nevertheless, Varian expressed interest in competing in the Irish St Leger to add to Eldar Eldarov's already impressive record, which includes a victory at the Doncaster equivalent.
However, a decision still needs to be made regarding whether Eldar Eldarov will go to the Curragh on September 10 without any additional races, or if he will participate in either the Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial over the same course and distance, or the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes at York next week.
“I would really like to run him in the Irish St Leger, so it is working out whether he has a run before then,” said Varian.
“He does have a few options in the next 10 days if he was to run again, or do we go to Ireland with a fresh horse? We just need 48 hours or so to make up our minds.”