The four-year-old was taken along steadily during 2011, making a winning debut at Windsor in May before winning a Haydock handicap and a Listed prize at Sandown.

Varian then gave his charge a three-month break, after which she returned with a bang by giving her trainer a first Group One victory in the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp.

She signed off for the year with an excellent second in the Breeders' Cup Filly And Mare Turf and Varian is excited about seeing her return, even though he has no immediate plans.

Speaking on his new website www.varianstable.com, the trainer said: "Nahrain hasn't been back in that long and we are taking things slowly with her.

"There is no need to rush her back to the track as there aren't too many options for older fillies early on in the year with most of the suitable races being from mid-summer onwards.

"She also had a long trip to Churchill Downs in November and we were keen to give her a long winter break to get over it.

"She is back cantering now and looks a stronger model this year. She is moving nicely and I'm very happy with her."