International campaign beckons for Farraaj

ROGER VARIAN has outlined plans to campaign Blue Square Bet Winter Derby winner Farraaj abroad during the upcoming Flat season.

The four-year-old, who broke Lingfield's track record in Saturday's race, finished placed at the 2011 Breeders' Cup and in last year's Italian 2,000 Guineas.

Quoted on his website, the trainer said: "He is a four-year-old gelding and we know he travels well having been to the Breeders' Cup and to Italy and run with credit on both occasions. There are no targets yet but there are some good prizes to be won overseas later in the season.

"He is not straightforward physically so we shall give him plenty of time to get over this effort and freshen him up before he runs again."

Reflecting on Farraaj's Winter Derby success, Varian added: "It is always satisfying when a plan comes together and this had been his target since his win over course and distance in November.

"He showed a great attitude to win, although he is pretty lazy, so I would never expect him to win far. They went a good pace which helps him as he stays the mile and a quarter very well."