Roger Varian talks Graham Clark through some of his big hopes for the new Flat season.
Roger Varian expects this season to be one of ‘rebuilding’, however his place among Flat racing’s upper echelons looks set to continue given the firepower at his disposal.
Three-time Group One winner Charyn might no longer be there to call upon, but with last year’s 1000 Guineas winner Elmalka back for more he has a top quality individual ready to pick up the baton as stable flagbearer.
Throw into mix two more talented older fillies in Ejaabiyah and Lady Of Spain, alongside last year’s John Smith’s Cup winner Enfjaar and progressive gelding French Duke, the picture at Carlburg Stables looks ever brighter.
And with a host of promising three-year-olds with untapped potential headed by Elmalka’s half brother Sallaal, who holds a clutch of top class entries next to his name, the future looks bright,
Varian said: “I think any year that you win a British Classic and train Europe’s champion miler has to be considered a good year, but we have got to try and do it all again this time around.
“I think last season gave you an insight into Charyn’s constitution and character. His ability was there for everyone to see. The way he went right through from March to November was a testament to the horse as he consistently maintained that high level of performance.
“It was very special to win the 1000 Guineas with Elmalka, and she ran some fine races afterwards without winning again, but she stays in training so we are excited about her this year.
“We are in a rebuilding year. Although we have the likes of Elmalka and Enfjaar in behind we have a lot of maiden winners or promising novice winners and of them there are horses we like. We would be unlucky for none of them to put their hands up and be pretty good. I like the two-year-olds we have as they are a lovely bunch of horses with nice pedigrees so I think the future is bright. We have a lot to look forward to.”
