Expensive purchase Willie John won’t be rushed up in class by Roger Varian despite romp on return at Doncaster
The 1.9 million buy holds a number of big race entries but patience will be key
TRAINER Roger Varian will not rush Willie John up in class despite his eyecatching return at Doncaster.
The premium 1.9 million purchase is unbeaten in two starts and big things were expected of the colt before injury ruled him out of the Guineas and Derby.
Varian and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid combined to purchase the half-brother to Dreamfield out of the William Haggas yard, to dissolve a partnership after just one run as a juvenile.
But a setback kept Willie John off the track, until he romped home on the Town Moor by five lengths.
The son of Dansili holds entries in the Juddmonte International and in the Qipco Champion Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot.
However, Varian believes patience is key to the three-year-old and he will require further experience before he takes a jump in class.
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Varian said: "It was nice to get him on the track, as he had an early-season setback. We've had to be patient, but it is nice to get him back on the track and confirm he is a nice horse.
"He won't be confirmed for the Juddmonte. We will try to make gradual progress with him, as he is potentially a very nice horse, albeit for the autumn or for next year.
"We will try to go up through the grades gradually."
Willie John had been a 33-1 shot for the Group 1 at York. Poet's Word and Roaring Lion continue to dominate the market.
The race had also been mooted as a possible point of return for star filly Enable, but now looks unlikely according to John Gosden.