Roger Varian is keen to keep Saddadd at the top level following his German Group 1 success with the Arc next on the agenda.
The four-year-old Pinatubo colt displayed plenty of potential early in his career, winning the London Gold Cup by a neck. Despite having the majority of the summer off, he returned from a break to comfortably land a Sandown handicap.
Having finished the season with a third in listed company, Saddadd has returned in excellent style this season. He landed the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes on seasonal debut, pulling clear with King Of Cities. Connections were happy to pitch him into Group 1 company thereafter, and he again stepped forward.
Following that Curragh third, Saddadd took a slight backward step at Sandown in the Eclipse. However, he returned to land the Group 1 Grosser Preis Von Baden in what looked to be a strong contest.
“He ticks a lot of boxes” – Varian excited for Saddadd’s Arc chances
Hotazhell and Wimbledon Hawkeye proved not to disregard German Group 1 form following the Irish Champion Stakes. The Grosser Preis Von Baden has historically thrown up good form. Torquator Tasso won the race in 2021 en-route to the Arc, and Varian is keen to replicate that feat.
Speaking to Racing TV, via At The Races, Roger Varian said: “Plan A is to run Saddadd in the Arc and we’re looking forward to that and very excited to have the chance to run a horse like him in the race.
“He ticks a lot of boxes. He’s a very strong horse who is still maturing and I think he’s getting better and better. His first run over a mile and a half was a career best. Hopefully there is more to explore at that trip and we know he handles autumn ground.
“He’s improved throughout his career and we’ve been careful to mind him along the way and allow him to reach full maturity and therefore his full potential.
“He’s getting there and he’s a lovely horse with a great attitude and he’s come out of the race in Germany in great form. I’m very happy with how he is looking at home and we’re looking forward to having a crack at the Arc.”
The Arc has eluded Roger Varian thus far in his career, but he hasn’t gone entirely without chances. Defoe was second in the same German Group 1 in 2018 en-route to his Arc test. Postponed was sent off the favourite for the 2016 showpiece, but couldn’t follow up his Juddmonte Stakes effort.