Skip to content

St Leger Stakes: Doncaster Classic still an option for Eldar Eldarov as Roger Varian not downhearted by Grand Prix de Paris run

Doncaster Classic bid still on the table for Eldar Eldarov despite only finishing down in fourth in Grand Prix de Paris; trainer Roger Varian sees stable star staying two miles next season

David Egan and Eldar Eldarov on the way to an impressive victory at Nottingham
Image: Eldar Eldarov lost his unbeaten career record in Thursday's Grand Prix de Paris

Roger Varian insists he has not lost any faith in Eldar Eldarov despite coming up short in the Grand Prix de Paris on Thursday.

Having stretched his unbeaten record to three with a last-gasp success in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, the Dubawi colt was favourite to successfully graduate to Group One level at ParisLongchamp.

But dropping back in distance from a mile and three-quarters to a mile and a half, Eldar Eldarov was beaten just over five lengths into fourth place by Onesto in the Bastille Day showpiece.

Watch the King George on Sky Sports Racing
Watch the King George on Sky Sports Racing

Don't miss the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes from Ascot on Saturday 23 July on Sky Sports Racing

Varian, though, is far from despondent and remains hopeful his charge can establish himself as a genuine St Leger contender.

"I thought he ran a nice race - he is a stayer," said the Newmarket handler.

"We brought him back in trip to a mile and a half and he was doing all his best work late on. I was not disappointed with him, so anyone who says that is making things up.

Follow Sky Sports Racing on Twitter
Follow Sky Sports Racing on Twitter

See the latest horse racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing

"He needs a mile and six (furlongs), as he showed in the Queen's Vase and the St Leger is still under consideration.

Also See:

"Looking forward, he will get two miles next season."

Around Sky