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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Melissa Jones

Third Realm has "outstanding attitude" for Epsom's Cazoo Derby says Roger Varian

Roger Varian says Third Realm's "outstanding attitude" gives him every chance in the Cazoo Derby.

The Lingfield Derby Trial winner is a top price of 14-1 with the bookmakers for the colts' Classic on June 5.

Third Realm was a surprise victor in the warm-up contest, which has produced nine Epsom heroes over the years.

Pushed out to defeat the hot favourite Adayar on that occasion, Varian's charge will be the trainer's second runner in the Derby after Kingston Hill chased home Australia in 2014.

That particular stable favourite went on to St Leger glory at Doncaster later in the season, before he took up stallion duties.

“I think Third Realm has got an outstanding attitude for a race like the Derby," Varian said.

"He seems to conserve energy – he’s not a flashy worker at home and just does what you ask him to.

“He wasn’t distressed after Lingfield in any way and his recovery was very quick.

Third Realm is 14-1 for the Cazoo Derby (Getty)

"He’s got a very relaxed way of racing and I think that’s vital in these big races.

“We’re still to learn whether he’s got the engine to bring home the Derby, but I think he’s got the mind for it.

“A lot of the boxes you want ticked going into the race he ticks.

"We’ve been very happy with his training since Lingfield – Andrea (Atzeni) actually rode him on Wednesday morning in his last serious bit of work and was very impressed with the horse.

“We’re very much looking forward to the day. He’s a relaxed character and a bit of a cool dude, so I would be hopeful he’ll handle whatever Epsom throws at him.”

Third Realm is one of several untested horses at the top level engaged in the 1m 4f contest, with the Ed Dunlop-trained John Leeper and Jim Crowley's mount Mohaafeth high up the list.

Others in the mix include Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney and Dante scorer Hurricane Lane.

Bolshoi Ballet heads the betting at 15-8 with Paddy Power.

Varian said: “I think it’s a fascinating Derby and a very good Derby. Time will tell, of course, but if you look at the horses coming from Ireland and the horses in Newmarket you could make a case for different reasons, it looks intriguing.

Kingston Hill (right) finished second to Australia in the Derby before winning the St Leger (Getty)

“We’re delighted to be involved in it. I think it’s a Derby that if I wasn’t involved, I’d be super excited to watch, because there are lots of different types of horses in the mix.

“I truly believe the Derby is one of the most iconic races our industry across the globe has on offer.

"It will always be the pinnacle of the test of a horse, the ability of a horse, the jockey’s ambition and the trainer’s ambition.”

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