Varian Confident Matsuri Can Shine in Irish Derby
Trainer Roger Varian is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to run his promising colt Matsuri in the upcoming Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh this Sunday. The son of Sea The Stars has won his last two starts, including an impressive eight-length victory over Fox Legacy at Leicester in May, and Varian believes the horse is capable of making a strong showing against a quality field.
“I really like him, we always have done, and while he’s only raced in novice company, he’s looked good on every start,” Varian said in an interview on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast. “He looked very good a little while ago at Leicester when winning his novice under a penalty, and while it’s obviously a bit of a jump up, had we been able to get him ready earlier in the year, he would have been into a Derby trial and then who knows, into Epsom or into Royal Ascot.”
Varian acknowledged that the Irish Derby represents a significant step up in class for Matsuri, but he remains confident in the horse’s abilities.
“For a three-year-old jumping out of novice company into very strong company isn’t completely unheard of. He’s had three races, it’s not like he’s only had one, and he knows all about what a race is about, but obviously is a big jump up.”
The trainer had initially targeted the Epsom Derby for Matsuri, but a setback in the spring forced them to adjust their plans.
“That was very much the plan, he was declared for the Classic Trial at Sandown in April, and a dirty scope ruled him out of taking part in that, and we went through the winter thinking he was at the very least a Derby trial candidate. That just didn’t come to fruition, and the Derby came and went, but he went to Leicester under his penalty and won very impressively.”
Varian believes the Curragh track and the extended distance of the Irish Derby will suit Matsuri well.
“The Irish Derby was very appealing, having a fresh horse who hadn’t had an Epsom or trial experience and believing he was good enough and taking him to a track that we think will suit him over a trip we think will suit him. We have every belief in him.”
Matsuri will face stiff competition in the form of Ambiente Friendly and Los Angeles, but Varian remains optimistic about his colt’s chances of making a significant impact in the prestigious Irish Classic.
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