Lockinge still Plan A for Belardo, according to Roger Varian
Sunday 1 May 2016 10:08, UK
Roger Varian feels Belardo has "a big day ahead of him" despite an unsatisfactory result at Sandown after he made a successful start to 2016 at Doncaster.
The 2014 Dewhurst winner was a never-nearer fourth to Toormore in the bet365 Mile after Varian's decision to run pacemaker Barchan did not work in Belardo's favour.
Varian was pleased with the way the four-year-old colt performed under the circumstances and is looking forward to running him in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 14.
"I thought the horse ran a mighty race," the Newmarket trainer told Racing UK.
"We were all disappointed with the result. Perhaps I didn't need to run a pacemaker, but, nevertheless, the race panned out as it did.
"He ran a fine race to make up the ground he did.
"We've got the Lockinge ahead of us and that will certainly be Plan A. He's better with a bit of cut in the ground, so the weather plays its part, but he's got options going forward.
"I thought, although he didn't win at Sandown, he showed his well-being and he showed his ability. I'm sure he'll have a good year. He's fine after the race and we think he's got a big day ahead of him."
Meanwhile, Varian has earmarked the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown as the next port of call for Intilaaq following his brief stint in Dubai.
The Newmarket handler is leaning towards the Group Three mile-and-a-quarter contest on May 26 with the four-year-old colt after he failed to cut any ice in the Dubai Turf at Meydan on his first start of the year.
Intilaaq had previously tasted victory in the Steventon Stakes at Newbury and the Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock, both over 10 furlongs.
Varian said: "Intilaaq is in great shape and I am really pleased with him.
"We are now looking at getting him ready for the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown.
"He took the trip to Dubai well but he was just a bit babyish on the night out there. He didn't run quite up to expectations but he didn't run a bad race by any means given the circumstances."
