Soccer

Roger Varian has eyes on York for Derby absentee Eydon

Newmarket trainer Roger Varian needn't be too down in the dumps about Eydon missing the Epsom Derby. The 2000 Guineas fourth still has plenty of Group 1 options this Summer.

Roger Varian's talented Eydon missed the Epsom Derby but is raring to go for a chance to get his season back on track.
A reasonable fourth in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas behind Coroebus, Eydon suffered a setback and didn't make it to the Classic on the Downs but still has plenty of opportunities for Group 1 wins this Summer.

Eydon might have finished closer to Coroebus at HQ in the 2000 Guineas but for becoming unbalanced in the dip over the one mile test on the Rowley Mile under David Egan. Yet, Varian has little to worry about with plenty of tests ahead.

The Sky Bet York Stakes on July 23 or the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville on August 15 are options for the Olden Times colt who also has entries for the Coral-Eclipse, the Sussex Stakes, The Juddmonte International and even the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
"Everything is going in the right direction, but when you have a setback that means you miss the Derby in reality you miss Ascot as well which is slightly disappointing," said owner Prince Faisal's racing manager Ted Voute.
"He was going to start back in earnest after Ascot and there's a Group Two at York or the race Mishriff won in France, the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano.
"Everything is stepping up now, he's in the Eclipse but that will all probably come too soon and I think it will suit him to step up slowly. There are Group Ones over 10 and 12 furlongs at the end of the year that he will be well entered up for and he'll have the opportunity if he shows up well in one of those Group Twos.
"These things happen, he's a big strong horse. He clouted the front of his cannon, but there was nothing materially wrong and he was kept swimming and in the spa and he's back to 100 per cent.
"The 2000 Guineas has worked out exceptionally well, it looks a very strong Guineas but at the same time we're still only a Listed winner and broke our maiden doing that. Let's hope we get the chance to prove he's as good as the form is pointing to."

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