ASCOT ON PERCY AGENDA



By Anita Chambers, PA Sport


Sir Percy is set to drop back in trip at Royal Ascot after finishing a creditable fourth on his seasonal reappearance in Dubai.

Trainer Marcus Tregoning is eyeing a tilt at the 10-furlong Prince Of Wales's Stakes with last year's Vodafone Derby hero after his run in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

Sir Percy was only beaten a length and three-quarters behind winner Vengeance Of Rain at Nad Al Sheba on what was his first run since disappointing in Newmarket's Champion Stakes last October.

Tregoning said: "He's taken the race fine. He's come out of it OK but it was a very rough race in the early stages and he has got a few cuts.

"It's nothing too serious though and we live to fight another day.

"He ran very well and we were not beaten too far but obviously we were disappointed not to have won - at least he is back though.

"I haven't seen a replay of the race but the early pace looked slow to me and maybe he did get a bit tired as he had not raced since last October."

Sir Percy also finished second to George Washington in the 2000 Guineas last year but has been limited to just one start since his Epsom triumph.

Although he failed to figure on his first try at a mile and a quarter in the Champion Stakes, Tregoning hopes a likely strong pace will bring out the best in Sir Percy.

"I think we may well aim for the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot now," added the Lambourn handler.

"He will be dropping back in trip but I think there will be more pace and that might suit him.

"He will be in all the big races over the year and we will just see how it goes."