Variation To Head East

Posted on December 12, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Last season’s champion three-year-old Variation will race in the eastern states next year, but will remain under the guidance of trainer Stephen Miller.

Miller said Variation will target a Melbourne campaign in the autumn after he races in the Group 3 Scahill Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.

“That is the plan and that’s what we are going to do,” Miller said on Tabradio.

“We won’t target any of the major races and will look at something a little easier.

“Hopefully it will toughen him up and improve him a little bit.

“If he can find another length he could be a big chance in the Railway Stakes next year.”

Miller is confident Variation will acquit himself well as he strives to end the year on a winning note in the Scahill Stakes.

The War Chant gelding holds good form, but has yet to breakthrough after an outstanding three-year-old campaign.

Variation ran second to Pounamu in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and third to Properantes when he ran on solidly from a long way back in the Group 3 Peters Stakes (1500m).

He backed up a week later to contest Group 1 glory in the Railway Stakes and ran competively, finishing fourth to Great Shot, beaten by just under a length.

Miller said a three week break between the Railway Stakes and Scahill Stakes would be the ideal preparation for Variation.

“He pulled through the Railway really good and the gap seems pretty ideal,” Miller said.

“I was surprised how well he backed up between the Peters and the Railway.

“He has mainly done beach work since then and I’m pretty pleased with him.”

Miller said he had no regrets in Variation dodging last week’s Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) and the lure of a one million dollar prize purse.

He’s confident

“There were more seasoned horses in it than him and he is still immature,” Miller said.

“I think what we have asked of him so far he has delivered pretty good.

“He has come through all his races really good.

“He has a fair bit of potential and we have looked after him.

“I think we have done the right thing having a crack at this race.

“My only concern is weight for age, but you won’t know until he races in it.”