VARIAN LAPS UP GROUP WIN
PIERRE LAPIN made it a family affair when emulating his half-brother Harry Angel after taking the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury.
Time will reveal if Pierre Lapin can reach the heights of Harry Angel, winner of yesterday’s Group Two contest in 2016 before becoming the champion sprinter the following year. But winning trainer Roger Varian believes the unbeaten colt has an exciting future and his view looks vindicated after the two-yearold came home an impressive winner in the hands of Andrea Atzeni (below). “He has confirmed he is a very nice horse,” said Varian.
“He has been delicate since his maiden success but he has come good in the last two or three weeks on the gallops.
“I’m absolutely delighted he has produced a performance like that one and he’s one to be really excited about for next year.”
The colt is 33-1 with Betfair for next year’s 2,000 Guineas and more immediately, 14-1 for next month’s Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. Earlier, David Simcock’s consistent Desert Encounter booked his ticket for Canada where he will attempt to capture the Canadian International at Woodbine for the second year running after landing the Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes.
Given a confident ride by Jamie Spencer, Desert Encounter was adding to his success in the race two years ago.
Simcock said: “He flies over to Canada two weeks today.
“We came here knowing he would be a little better for the outing as he needs one run to take him to another.
“He has danced all the dances and we know his limitations but in races like this, he is pretty good.”