While it is difficult to describe a horse that has won the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. as a work in progress, there is a feeling that the former Luca Cumani project Postponed (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) is only just starting to come to himself as he goes to post for Saturday's G1 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Cup at Epsom. Now with Roger Varian, the 5-year-old dispatched with the Japanese 2000 Guineas and Derby hero Duramente (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic over this trip at Meydan Mar. 26, and with no stone unturned in his preparation he came here for the “Breakfast With the Stars” morning.
“The whole day out would have been a good experience and more than what I could have done at home,” commented Varian, who also saddles Roseberg (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), who set the pace when Postponed took the G2 Prix Foy at Longchamp in September. “He is a very experienced horse, but he has never run at Epsom before. It is a unique track. We will see how we fares on Saturday before making any firm decisions on further plans. Certainly the King George has to be a midsummer target and we will try to get him back there in good shape and have a good crack at defending his crown.”
Aidan O'Brien puts forward last year's GI Breeders' Cup Turf winner Found (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was put in her place by Fascinating Rock (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) when second in The Curragh's G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup over 10 1/2 furlongs last time May 22, but who will appreciate this slightly faster surface.
“Found came out of the Curragh in good form. She ran very well the other day and she's a filly you'd look forward to all year,” her trainer commented. Another high-class filly who demands respect is Qatar Racing's G1 St Leger and G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S. heroine Simple Verse (Ire) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}), who put in a highly creditable effort when runner-up under a penalty in Newmarket's G2 Jockey Club S. Apr. 30. “It will be tough wherever she goes. She worked well on Monday and I don't think the track will hold any fears for her,” trainer Ralph Beckett explained. “This is the right race for her and she'll run her race. Whether she's good enough to beat Postponed, we'll find out.”
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