Dwyer Confident Ahead Of Percy Bid

A relaxed Martin Dwyer believes Sir Percy is ready to prove his injury problems are well and truly behind him by winning a highly-competitive Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba tomorrow.

The four-year-old has endured a difficult time with a series of niggling injuries before and after his thrilling Derby triumph at Epsom in June, which culminated in a below-par seventh in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket in October.

Dwyer will again partner the Marcus Tregoning-trained colt, on whom he has five wins, in a strong field for the 5million event, which counts Breeders' Cup Turf winner Red Rocks, as well as Youmzain and Japanese ace Pop Rock among the contenders.

And with Sir Percy being drawn seven and again running over his Derby-winning distance of 12 furlongs, Dwyer is full of hope.

'Hopefully he will answer his critics,' Dwyer said. 'Marcus and the team did a great job getting him fit for the Derby, never mind winning it, and he clearly wasn't himself in the Champion Stakes

'It's a very good race but he's a class horse and he's right up there. He's probably the best horse in the race, though Red Rocks and Youmzain will be serious threats. He's probably my best ride of the night.'

Dwyer also underlined the fact he expects Sir Percy to be more than able to handle any of the differing circumstances that may present themselves as the race runs its course.

'Ideally I'd like a nice even pace and I'd like to be sat in the midfield, but that's what everybody wants,' he added.

'He stays the trip well but he's got a good turn of foot so if it goes slow it doesn't matter too much, but if it goes quick it will make it a little bit easier.

'But we're drawn well so hopefully he'll get a good run in any event. I'm not worried too much. As long as the horse is fine I'm not too worried about what happens on the night.'

(C) PA Sport