Varian has 'ambitious plans' for Line Of Departure after cool Listed success

Roger Varian will eye bigger targets for Line Of Departure after the three-year-old ran out an impressive winner of the British Stallion Studs EBF Cathedral Stakes.

The ground ruled the son of Mehmas out of Commonwealth Cup trials so connections took in this Listed event to find out just how good the three-time juvenile winner is.

He answered that question in authoritative fashion, travelling smoothly and charging clear of 11-8 favourite Khaadem to strike by two and a quarter lengths under David Egan.

Varian said: "That was nice to get him back on the track and for him to confirm the promise from last season. He probably posted a career-best, I'm delighted with that.

"David was a bit worried as they put plenty of water on the track and the horse would be at his very best when conditions were fast. It's a shame there was so much rain around for the two Commonwealth Cup trials so we couldn't take in one of those races."

He added: "He looks quite an exciting colt for the summer ahead and would be deserving to take his chance in some nicer races. We'll get him home and speak with owners Shaikh Nasser and Fawzi Naas and carefully think of the next step. He deserves ambitious plans though."

Off the mark

Apprentice jockey Stephen Mooney recorded his first win in Britain when guiding 9-1 shot Trixie Waterbury to victory in the 7f fillies' handicap.

Snow triumphs in the sun

Deep Snow was an ironically-named winner of the 1m2f fillies' novice given the soaring temperatures, but Godolphin's four-year-old kept on well to record a second win from three starts.

Results, replays and analysis

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