Leading trainer Roger Varian and owner Prince Faisal have collectively decided to send the 2000 Guineas fourth Eydon to the Epsom Derby Saturday and not the Prix du Jockey Club on the Sunday at Chantilly.
The three year old was first seen in December 2021 when a close third behind a nice type for John Gosden and then over the same C&D in February he was a short head second to Oceania Legend.
Given his first start on turf at the Craven meeting over 1m1f in the Listed Feilden Stakes, he drifted out to 22/1 on the day but went on to bolt up by over three lengths, seeing off smart challenger Masekela.
🔵 The boys in blue reign in the first British Classic of the season - a first 2000 Guineas for Charlie Appleby as Coroebus powers to glory @NewmarketRace for @the_doyler, leading home a 1-2 for @godolphin
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 30, 2022
🏇 Four races
🥇 Three wins
🏆 QIPCO 2000 Guineas
🏆 Autumn Stakes pic.twitter.com/acdMnepjmB
Last seen running a cracker in the Group One 2000 Guineas when finishing fourth behind the likes of Coroebus, Native Trail and Luxembourg, he will now step up half a mile in trip as he bids for Derby glory.
He has not had the most conventionally route into this race but he obviously does not lack talent and looks a type who has plenty of scope to improve with each run.
(Credit ATR) Varian said: “I’m pleased to say the horse is in great form and following discussions with his owner, Prince A A Faisal, we plan to run in the Derby at Epsom on Saturday and not the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly on Sunday.”