St Leger Victor Eldar Eldarov Set for Return at York

While the first two days of York's Dante meeting will provide notable Derby and Oaks clues, the May 19 card will feature a Classic winner with St Leger Stakes (G1) hero Eldar Eldarov (GB) primed to return in the Yorkshire Cup (G2). The KHK Racing-owned colt was successful in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot last year and went on to land the final Classic of the season on Town Moor, defeating New London (IRE) by two lengths. Eldar Eldarov failed to fire when finishing seventh of eight in the Long Distance Cup (G2) on British Champions Day at Ascot in October, but his trainer Roger Varian is particularly pleased with the 4-year-old's progress through the winter and spring. Varian, who won the Musidora Stakes (G3) with Nausha (GB) at the Dante meeting in 2019, said: "We have been very pleased with Eldar Eldarov. He's wintered particularly well and appears to be a bit stronger than he was last year. "He's training with a nice amount of enthusiasm, the Yorkshire Cup has been his target for some time and we're looking forward to getting his season started on Friday. "I see no reason why the track at York shouldn't suit him and he's a colt who seems to be effective on any ground, which is comforting." The Yorkshire Cup will be a stepping stone to the Gold Cup (G1) at Ascot June 22 for Eldar Eldarov, who is a best-priced 7-1 with William Hill for the illustrious event at the royal meeting, and Varian is hoping for a bold show on the Knavesmire. He said: "We have one eye on the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot next month, and while I don't think we'll be using fitness as an excuse on Friday, the run should put him spot on for the royal meeting." David Egan has ridden Eldar Eldarov on each of his six starts and will maintain the partnership in the £180,000 event. His rivals could include Dubai Gold Cup (G2) winner Broome (IRE) and runner-up Siskany (GB), and last year's runaway Lonsdale Cup Stakes (G2) scorer Quickthorn (GB), in a race won by the now-retired Stradivarius (IRE) in three of the last four runnings. Last year's third, Tashkhan (IRE), St Leger third Giavellotto (IRE), and Emily Dickinson (IRE), a listed winner at Navan last month, are among the other entries, while last week's Ormonde Stakes (G3) winner Hamish (GB) remained in contention at the six-day stage. Declarations for the final day of the meeting will be revealed Wednesday.