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| Staff Writer |
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Matsuri's dominant eight-length victory in division one of the 1m2f novice over 2000m at Leicester on Monday may pave the way for a potential entry into the Irish Derby.
Last month, the 3YO trained by Roger Varian was unable to participate in the bet365 Classic Trial. However, the horse achieved its second win out of three starts with a commanding performance under the guidance of James Doyle.
Varian said, "He was very impressive. Time will tell how strong a race it was but he could only beat what was in front of him and he looked a good horse in doing so. We've always rated him highly. It's been frustrating this spring not able to get him out earlier in one of the Derby trials, we thought he was of Derby trial calibre, but he's won nicely and hopefully that will set him up for a good year."
Matsuri has been entered in both the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Irish Derby next month, with Varian confirming the entries. "He's got some big entries. We could look at Royal Ascot but we've also got the Irish Derby and we might quite like the Curragh for this horse."
Varian and Doyle came close to securing a double win, but Indemnity was overtaken late by Azahara Palace in the mile handicap race.
Castle Cove, trained by William Haggas and a half-brother to the yard's Group Two winner Lilac Road, made an impressive debut under Tom Marquand in division two of the 1m2f novice.
King Power's sponsored 6f handicap saw Sergeant Wilko, ridden by Rossa Ryan, dig deep to secure victory by half a length.