Postponed set to defend Sheema Classic title

At a time when plenty of horses are retired at a young age it is commendable to see six-year-old Postponed (pictured above) coming of age.

Although this star performer, who is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Obaid Al Maktoum, finished second in the City of Gold Cup at Meydan on Super Saturday, his trainer is confident of him defending his Dubai

Sheema Classic title.

“He was a bit rusty three weeks ago but he needs to be a bit sharper. He needs to be at his A Game to win on Saturday,” said Roger Varian.

“We were disappointed not to win the City of Gold Cup. We didn’t get a smooth passage. I think with a clear run he would have been a winner but he wouldn’t have been impressive, he would have been scrappy. He was not a 100 per cent on the day, but the change in him over the last three weeks has been very pleasing. “

Varian was not too perturbed about the inclement weather.

“Hopefully we get a dry day on Saturday. But if it rains Postponed is

very adaptable. He won at King George in the Coronation Cup on soft ground so we are not too concerned about the conditions.

“I’ve been here since Wednesday and can’t tell you how delighted I am with his condition. It looks like he is peaking at the right time.

“He is six years old now and it’s hard to expect him to get better than last year but hopefully he can maintain a high level of performance he showed last year. I am thankful to Sheikh Obaid for supporting me and keeping the horse in training for another year. You don’t see six-yearold’s with his record racing on.”