Reverence Nears Comeback

Reverence is on course for an imminent return to action as connections gear him towards Sandown´s Laurent-Perrier Champagne Sprint early next month.

Eric Alston´s speedster enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2006, when he won four races including the Temple Stakes, Nunthorpe Stakes and Betfred Sprint Cup.

Those races are again on the agenda but the six-year-old is likely to flex his muscles beforehand in the upcoming Group Three dash.

Alston said: 'We´ll look at the Nunthorpe with him again but in the meantime there is a race at Sandown on the seventh of July (Champagne Sprint).

'He´s fine at the moment and he could run there as long as the ground is OK for him.'

Alston elected not to prepare his stable star for a crack at Royal Ascot´s prestigious sprints, since the ground at the five-day Berkshire fixture does not usually ride with the ease Reverence prefers.

After watching Soldier´s Tale win Saturday´s Golden Jubilee Stakes on rain-softened ground, however, he admits to being a little annoyed but knows there are still plenty of top-notch races for the taking.

'It was a bit frustrating but then again we had planned on not going there so it´s just the way it goes,' he said.

'My horse is very well and I´m looking forward to getting him back on track and all being well, he´ll go to Sandown.'

(C) PA Sport