---
title: "Roger Varian Leans Towards Tattersalls Gold Cup for Saddadd After Newmarket Gallop"
canonical: "https://readhorseracing.com/2026/05/17/saddadd-tattersalls-gold-cup-varian-newmarket-gallop/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Andy Newton"
section: "News"
published: "2026-05-17T02:40:10Z"
modified: "2026-05-17T06:31:29Z"
---

# Roger Varian Leans Towards Tattersalls Gold Cup for Saddadd After Newmarket Gallop

**Saddadd could be asked to step into Group 1 company at the Curragh after Roger Varian said the Tattersalls Gold Cup is the race his team is working toward, although the trainer stopped short of calling the plan final.**

## **Roger Varian Eyes Tattersalls Gold Cup Run for Saddadd**

Roger Varian says Saddadd is being aimed toward the [Tattersalls Gold Cup](https://youtu.be/tW-fLEbhUFw?si=rGBhD1ycOMk5C68W) at the Curragh after the four-year-old went through a racecourse gallop at Newmarket on Friday morning.

The [Sporting Life](https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/tattersalls-gold-cup-preview-roger-varian-believes-saddadd-deserves-shot-at-group-1-glory/232103) reported that Varian is leaning toward the Group 1 on Sunday, 24 May, while stressing that the plan is *“not set in stone”*.

With Roger Varian saying.

> *“We will consider the Tattersalls Gold Cup, and although that is not set in stone, that is what we are working towards. If we don’t get there we will go back to Sandown for the Brigadier Gerard.*
>
> *“There was word that Ombudsman might run, and it seems very likely that Minnie Hauk will run, so it looks a strong race. We will have to see whether we want to throw our hat in the ring or not.*
>
> *“That work there this morning would have done him good. He seems to go on any ground, but I think he is at his best on good to soft if I’m honest. I was keen to work him on the grass. As it has been so dry we haven’t got use of the Limekilns so this was a nice day out for him.*
>
> *“He has been ticking over nicely since he won the Gordon Richards Stakes. We will see how he comes out of this gallop, but for me I was satisfied with what I saw.*
>
> *“I think he deserves to have a go at a Group One. The track would suit him and I think he would love the Curragh.”*

The trainer said the son of Pinatubo had done enough in his work to leave the Curragh race as the leading option, with Sandown’s Brigadier Gerard Stakes (28th May) the alternative if connections decide against taking on top-level company just yet.

That makes Friday’s update a meaningful next step in Saddadd’s campaign rather than a firm declaration. Varian is not talking about a speculative long-range target.

He is talking about the race the stable is actively working toward, just over a week after Saddadd made a winning return in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown.

### **WATCH: Saddadd Winning The Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown**

[Group One ambitions for Saddadd after Gordon Richards win | Full Race | Racing TV (embedded)](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/tW-fLEbhUFw?feature=oembed)

### **Group 3 Winner Now Weighing Up Group 1 Company**

Racing TV had already suggested after the Sandown win that the Tattersalls Gold Cup was under consideration, with Varian keen to keep Saddadd at around a mile and a quarter while finding out how high he could climb.

Friday’s Newmarket gallop added a fresh layer to that picture because it came with a more direct indication that the Curragh is now the principal target.

Saddadd worked over seven furlongs with Ray Dawson aboard and finished his exercise strongly.

Varian’s comments afterwards were measured but positive, saying the colt deserved the chance to be tested at the highest level if he came out of the gallop well.

If heading to the Curragh for the Tattersalls Gold Cup, Saddadd could face the likes of Al Riffa, Almeric, Minnie Hauk, Aventure and fellow Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum horse – Almaqam.