Roger Varian is hoping a return to Epsom for the G1 Investec Coronation Cup will help Postponed (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) regain the winning thread after his slightly disappointing third place finish behind Jack Hobbs (GB) (Halling) in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan last Saturday. Mohammed Obaid's 6-year-old was two from two at last year's Carnival but having been beaten by Prize Money (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold Mar. 4, Postponed again seemed to run below form when beaten four lengths when bidding for back to back Sheema Classics. “We're disappointed to get beaten, but the more we reflect on it, the more we think he hasn't run a bad race at all,” said Varian on Monday. “Without wanting to make excuses, I don't think the ground would have suited him, there was also a headwind and a slow pace. He just can't quicken on that slower ground like he does on quicker ground, but I think you've got to congratulate the winner, who won very well on the night.”
Looking ahead Varian will assess the horse on his return from Dubai but will be keen to target the Coronation Cup which reverts to 'Oaks' Friday having been run on Derby Day for the last few years. “Postponed is due to fly back today, so we'll see how he is when he gets home. He certainly won't run before Epsom and we'd be very keen to get him back for the Coronation Cup again if we can. I'm sure he'll bounce back in the summer,” the trainer added.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
