Roger Varian (right) and Andrea Atzeni are hoping for more Epsom success with Postponed.

By Simon Jackson.

Postponed is set to contest the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Cup on Investec Derby day at Epsom on Saturday en route to defending his crown in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.

The Roger Varian-trained five-year-old won last year’s King George when prepared by Luca Cumani and is unbeaten in two starts for his new trainer this season that includes a last start victory in the in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on March 26.

The son of Dubawi had his first taste of Epsom Downs when he worked there last Tuesday where he pleased Varian and big-race jockey Andrea Atzeni.

“Postponed is a very experienced horse but he has never been to Epsom before. It was a sensible workout which gave him a feel of the contours of the track,” Varian said.

“He is a very good work horse and is an older entire who carries plenty of condition. He will go through the motions at home working very well. I love bringing him for a day out. 

“The work got his blood pumping and he will have grown an inch. He has a great temperament and is very relaxed.

“He is an exceptionally good-looking horse and the plan is for him to defend his crown in the King George after the Coronation Cup.”

Andrea Atzeni added: “He is a dream horse to ride – very relaxed. All he wants to do is please you.

“Even in a race, he is very straightforward. He jumps, he travels and he quickens. I am very lucky to be able to ride a horse like him.”

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.