'I wouldn't rule it out' - Varian has options for St Leger hero Eldar Eldarov

Eldar Eldarov could face Kyprios and Trueshan in a thrilling clash on British Champions Day next month after trainer Roger Varian on Tuesday did not rule out the possibility of the St Leger hero being seen again this season.

The three-year-old has the option of contesting the Long Distance Cup at Ascot on October 15 or the Prix Royal-Oak – the French St Leger – at Longchamp eight days later.

Varian will assess how Eldar Eldarov recovers following Sunday's Classic victory at Doncaster before making a decision whether he races again this year or is put away for a Cup campaign next season.

"He'll have to bounce back after the Leger and show he can run again, but I wouldn't rule it out," he said. "They're the two races and they are eight days apart, so he'll be trained for that third week in October.

"He had a bit of a break after the Grand Prix de Paris to the St Leger. He's raced four times this year and only once at two, so he's relatively lightly raced and there's reason to think he'll run again.

Eldar Eldarov (yellow and black) was an impressive winner of the St LegerCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's in good shape. We'll get a better idea in a few days' time, but the first impressions are that he's come out of it very well."

Eldar Eldarov is a general 5-1 shot for the Long Distance Cup behind 5-4 favourite Kyprios, with Trueshan next at 4-1.

The Ascot Gold Cup will be the first big target for the son of Dubawi next year and Varian thinks the step up to 2m and beyond will bring out the best in him.

"We'd have to have that race in our minds over the winter and work back from that over the first half of next year," he said.

"He's got bags of stamina and a great will to win, which all good staying horses need. He gets across the ground economically and relaxes well in his races.

"He's won twice over 1m6f and looks like he will only improve over further. There's no reason why he can't turn into a Cup campaigner."

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