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Roger Varian marvels at Steve Rogers Chester Cup claims

3 minute read

Roger Varian is hoping a long-held plan comes off with Steve Rogers in the Betway Chester Cup on Wednesday.

Trainer - ROGER VARIAN
Trainer - ROGER VARIAN Picture: Racing and Sports

The progressive stayer by Montjeu has won six times already but this has been his aim for some time.

He made a winning reappearance at Kempton three weeks ago and despite going up another 6lb in the handicap, Varian feels he ticks a lot of the boxes.

"This has been a long-term target for Steve Rogers," the Newmarket handler told www.varianstable.com.

"He has trained very well since winning his seasonal debut at Kempton and goes into the race in good form.

" He won at the track last year, is versatile regarding ground and is drawn well in stall three.

"There is plenty in his favour and we are expecting a big run from him."

Dermot Weld has gone close in recent years, with Zafayan third 12 months ago and Majestic Concorde fourth in 2010.

This time he runs 2014 Cheltenham Bumper winner Silver Concorde.

"We're satisfied with him. It's always a very tough race to win," Weld told At The Races.

"I've been second and fourth in it recently and I think he'll represent us well.

"He's got an each-way chance."

Donald McCain won back-to-back renewals in 2011 and 2012 with Overturn and Ile De Re and has two chances with William Of Orange and Venue, who scraped in as second reserve due to the absence of Moonrise Landing.

"William Of Orange wasn't beaten far in a Group Two for Sir Mark (Prescott) and while he started off OK over hurdles, he never really got his ground," said McCain.

"He's fit and well. Stall 14 isn't great but there's nothing we can do about it.

"Venue had 12 months off before we bought him and has had a number of problems.

"He's just starting to come back to himself but I'm not sure if he stays two-mile-two.

"He's owned by local people and we've got a chance to run in the Chester Cup so we'll take it."

Richard Fahey saddles his usual army - Angel Gabrial, Duke Of Clarence, Gabrial The Hero and Gabrial's King - with the Malton handler's sextet all in the Dr Marwan Koukash colours.

Ryan Moore rides last year's runner-up Quick Jack for Tony Martin.


At The Races

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