Percy Primed For Big Epsom Double

Marcus Tregoning reports last year´s Vodafone Derby hero Sir Percy to be in fine shape as he goes for an historic double at Epsom on Friday.

The thrilling short-head victor last June, Sir Percy bids to become the first horse since Roberto 34 years ago to follow up his Classic success in the Vodafone Coronation Cup.

Although he disappointed on his only other start last term behind Pride in the Champion Stakes, he made an encouraging reappearance when fourth to Vengeance Of Rain in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba in March.

'I think he´s in better form than he was last autumn, he´s in good shape,' said Tregoning.

'It did him an awful lot of good going to Dubai. He has grown up a lot since last year. If he´s as good he must have an excellent chance on Friday.

'He´s taken his work so well. We´ve had no ?ifs´ and ?buts´ going into this race and temperament wise he´s very much better. He´s just grown up.

'Obviously he´s taking on older horses this year and it´s going to be a lot tougher. He´s not grown a lot, he´s about 15.3 (hands). His weight would be about the same as it was a three-year-old.

'It´s possible that some of last season´s three-year-olds may have improved more than him. We don´t know that yet.

'I thought the run was good in Dubai for a horse that left the yard possibly a shade short of his best work because of the coughing that was in the yard.

'He seems to be working well and I hope he´ll run a big race,' Tregoning told At The Races.

(C) PA Sport