Varian confirms Willie John blow

Roger Varian is targeting a July return for Willie John after ruling him out of the Qipco 2000 Guineas because of a “small setback”.

The 39-year-old Newmarket trainer bought the Dansili colt for £1.9million in February after his victory in the only start he made for William Haggas last October.

Varian was lining up the three-year-old for the Rowley Mile Classic on May 5 but has conceded he will now have to wait until July before he can pitch Willie John back into action.

He told www.varianstable.com: “Willie John has impressed me in his work this spring, galloping in the manner of a high-class colt.

“While it is unfortunate he has incurred a small setback at this stage of the season, this will not keep him out for too long and we look forward to mapping out a Group-race programme for him from July onwards.”