Punch facing battle for lead

Persian Punch may face a battle for the lead as he bids to land another big prize in the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Stakes at York tomorrow.

The front-running tactics which have suited him so well may be under threat from Paul Cole`s challenger, Yorkshire.

Yorkshire, only one year junior to Persian Punch, has won his last two starts in clear-cut style after dominating proceedings and Cole said today that the same tactics are set to be employed again.

'They were only handicaps that he won but he is in very good form at the moment and we will trying to do the same thing again, although it will be tough with Persian Punch against us,' the trainer said.

'I think Jimmy Fortune will be trying to burn off Persian Punch - it will be interesting, may the best horse win!

'He is a very good horse, he broke down quite a long way out in the Melbourne Cup in 1998 and he was still beaten only a length, that is how brave he is.

'This is a better race than the two he has won this season but I am sure he will run very well.'

However, Persian Punch`s rider Richard Quinn is not panicking about the potential challenge to his mount.

'He`s handled it before when they`ve come at him,' Quinn said today.

'He`s a very straightforward horse and I can`t see any problems for him at all.'

A total of 10 horses, including staying stalwarts Rainbow High, San Sebastian and Royal Rebel have been declared for tomorrow`s Group Three contest.

After his disappointing effort last time behind Persian Punch at Goodwood, Royal Rebel is re-equipped with a visor by trainer Mark Johnston.

He first worse a visor when winning this contest 12 months ago and connections are hoping that the re-application of the headgear will aid his concentration.