Varian dreaming of Arc glory with improving Saddadd

After securing a maiden top-level success in Germany earlier this month, Roger Varian is relishing a shot at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with the ever-improving Saddadd.

A winner of five of his 10 starts, the Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum-owned four-year-old has taken the step into deep waters in his stride this term, returning with success in the Gordon Richards Stakes before being placed in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and running with credit in the Coral-Eclipse.

He showed further improvement and produced a career best when upped to a mile and a half for the Grosser Preis von Baden and now will attempt to follow in the footsteps of Danedream (2011) and Torquator Tasso (2021) who both won the Baden-Baden Group One before triumphing in the French capital a month later.

Varian told Racing TV: “Plan A is to run Saddadd in the Arc and we’re looking forward to that and very excited to have the chance to run a horse like him in the race.

“He ticks a lot of boxes. He’s a very strong horse who is still maturing and I think he’s getting better and better. His first run over a mile and a half was a career best and hopefully there is more to explore at that trip and we know he handles autumn ground.

“He’s improved throughout his career and we’ve been careful to mind him along the way and allow him to reach full maturity and therefore his full potential.

“He’s getting there and he’s a lovely horse with a great attitude and he’s come out of the race in Germany in great form. I’m very happy with how he is looking at home and we’re looking forward to having a crack at the Arc.”