Saddadd enjoys Group One breakthrough in Grosser Preis von Baden

Roger Varian is in no rush to decide on the next plan of attack with Saddadd after he struck top level gold for the first time in the 156th Grosser Preis von Baden.

Victory in the Group Three Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown in April earned the four-year-old his first couple of shots at Group Company, and he was not disgraced in finishing third behind Almaqam in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and then an eight-length fourth to Constitution River in the Coral-Eclipse.

He had a bit less on his plate at Baden-Baden, with fellow British raider Giavellotto seemingly his biggest threat, and after hitting the front early in the straight under Billy Loughnane the latter’s effort petered out disappointingly.

Parachutiste briefly took over the lead, but Jack Mitchell and Saddadd soon arrived on his outside and they were always doing just enough to win the battle by half a length, with Giavellotto passing the post in fourth.

Of the winner, Varian told the Press Association: “He’s got a great attitude, he’s a real fighter and he’s run some great races this year. It was a very strong Tattersalls Gold Cup that he was third in back in May and we’ve minded him through the summer and waited for this race, so I’m really delighted.

“There’s never one plan when you go through a race. Having been so slow into stride in the Eclipse, we were keen just to get him out and get him travelling and as things began unfolding, Jack couldn’t have been any further forward than falling in behind Giavellotto, so as it happened it worked out well.

“He’s very talented and I’m delighted for Sheikh Ahmed (Al Maktoum, owner), who has been a great supporter of the stable over the years, and the team at home and Jack of course, who has been very much part of our team of jockeys over the last 12 years and for him to ride his first Group One for us is a nice part of the story as well.”

Saddadd has options ranging from the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Champion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup over the coming months, but Varian is keen to let the dust settle before deciding on a firm target.

He added: “We’ll get him home and make sure that he’s OK and I’ll have a chat with the owner Sheikh Ahmed and we’ll make a plan. It doesn’t need to be decided today, we’ll enjoy today and we’re really delighted with the result.”

Mitchell added on Wettstar: “It’s nice to finish in the first position. It’s a great job by all of the team at Roger’s. I’m speechless, I can’t believe we’ve done it.

“I was drawn wide and I could have gone a bit more forward, but the pace was OK. So I just got a nice settle and kept my eye on Giavellotto and when he made his move to the outside I just followed him through. His stamina really showed up well.”