Varian spot on re Victoria Cup winner Cape Byron (8/1)

Roger Varian's interview in Talking Trainers section of Ahead On The Flat has already produced 17 winners, including Cape Byron's success in the Victoria Cup at Ascot on Saturday. The head of Carlburg Stables stated on page 85: "I am convinced there is a big pot in him and he will continue to run in those good handicaps over seven furlongs and a mile. I think a stiff seven furlongs is ideal and he likes Ascot. The Victoria Cup (11th May) is therefore an obvious target in the spring." You can't say fairer than that and I hope plenty of readers backed the five year old at 8/1. The Shamardal gelding thoroughly deserved his win, too, because he went close at Ascot and Goodwood last year.