By Daithi Harvey
The once raced Willie John (GB) (Dansili {GB}) will not be taking up a G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas entry according to his new trainer Roger Varian. The colt was an impressive winner of a Yarmouth maiden last back end for William Haggas but was then sent to Tattersalls February Sale to dissolve his previous ownership group which included Markus Jooste of Mayfair Speculators. It was there that Roger Varian successfully bid 1.9-million guineas for Willie John on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum but the owner will have to wait until mid summer before seeing the colt compete. Giving an update on the son of dual Group 1 winner Izzi Top (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) Varian said; “Willie John has impressed me in his work this spring, galloping in the manner of a high-class colt. While it is unfortunate he has incurred a small setback at this stage of the season, this will not keep him out for too long and we look forward to mapping out a Group-race programme for him from July onwards.”
In other Guineas news Jim Bolger's G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National S. winner Verbal Dexterity (Ire) (Vocalised) will also miss the race. The homebred was being aimed directly towards the Rowley Mile in two weeks time but has met with a setback which will delay his return.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
