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‘He was ticking plenty of boxes’ - Varian pleased ahead of King Of Steel Turf bid

Trainer Roger Varian is pleased with Breeders’ Cup Turf hopeful King Of Steel following a leg stretch at Santa Anita.

KING OF STEEL (right, purple silks) winning the Champion Stakes at Ascot in England.
KING OF STEEL (right, purple silks) winning the Champion Stakes at Ascot in England. Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

The three-year-colt has enjoyed a fantastic season, having won the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Ascot less than two weeks ago.

 

"He looks to be taking everything in his stride. He has a positive demeanour of a horse that can go again. The natural instinct was not to come, but the vital signs are good," said Varian.

"We left the decision to come as long as we could and he looked so good at home he was ticking plenty of boxes to make me think we should travel.

"It's the type of race we are interested in, the Turf was always the priority. He found a way to win at Ascot, but I'm sure he didn't enjoy the conditions.

"We could think about the Classic next season as he will stay in training."

Roger Varian's charge is expected to take on old foe Auguste Rodin in the Breeders' Cup Turf. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt finished ahead of King Of Steel when second in the Epsom Derby and the pair have met twice since - Auguste Rodin won the Irish Champion Stakes with King Of Steel back in fourth, although jockey Kevin Stott was criticised for his ride on the grey colt.

Auguste Rodin is edging favouritism for Saturday's rematch, with King Of Steel available at 6/1.

 


 
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