Sunday 6 March 2016 17:44, UK
Roger Varian says it is 'all systems go' for the Dubai Sheema Classic after Postponed won his prep race at Meydan on Saturday.
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's five-year-old was having his first start for the Newmarket handler since joining the stable from Luca Cumani in the Group Two Dubai City of Gold.
Postponed landed the mile-and-a-half turf event by three lengths under Andrea Atzeni and there looked to be plenty more to come.
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner is currently 5/2 with Sky Bet for the Group One Sheema Classic on World Cup night, March 26.
Varian said: "He has come out of the race really well. I saw him in the stables before flying back and he looked as though he had taken the race really well.
"We have three weeks now and it is all systems go for the Dubai Sheema Classic.
"We were confident he would win, but I'll admit to having some nerves. You know that on form he was the best horse in the race, but they still have to go and do it. The second (Dariyan) is a good horse and it does not always go to script, so you can get nervous.
"You think 'he should win well', and to be fair, he did. I was delighted with him - I couldn't have been more pleased with him."
Varian also had an update on Haalick, who returned from a five-month break to win the 32Red Spring Cup Stakes at Lingfield, and the well-being of his string in general.
He said: "The team are in good shape. He has taken the race well and he will go to the All-Weather Finals day on Good Friday.
"We did not have any two-year-old stakes winners last season, but we have some proper, promising three-year-olds. The majority are all unproven, so the next six weeks will be important - they will have to prove themselves, win their maidens, and the Classic trials will tell us more.
"I think we will have a couple in the Oaks and Derby trials. There is a lot to look forward to."
