Percy To Have Newbury Workout

Leading Stan James 2000 Guineas fancy Sir Percy is to make an unscheduled appearance at Newbury at the end of next week with connections keen to see the colt enjoy a racecourse workout.

In common with many of the major hopes for the early-season Classics, trainer Marcus Tregoning plans to take Sir Percy straight to Newmarket for his first race of the season on May 6.

But in order to give him a reminder about what he can expect to find at the track, the unbeaten Dewhurst winner is set to canter during racing a week on Friday or Saturday.

'He's actually at crescendo pitch now but I think we can manage that,' he said.

'We had a bit of a stop with him in January when he pulled a shoe off and made a mess of his foot but the farriers did a great job and since then we have had a clear run.

'He is quite an exuberant horse and we might take him to Newbury, just for a canter, to try and take some of the freshness off him.

'I don't mind how many people want to watch him because I want him to get familiar with the crowds and the noise.'

Despite rating his charge 'a fair bet' at the 6-1 odds offered by Totesport and Ladbrokes, Tregoning was keen to emphasise the strength of the opposition in the contest.

'It's not just Aidan's (O'Brien) horses but Amadeus Wolf, who is a very good horse and shouldn't be underestimated,' he said.

'We just have to hope that we can come out and kick them into touch.

'I wouldn't say he has grown a lot over the winter but he's about 15'3 now which is perfect for a Flat horse.

'He's done plenty of work and I'm happy with him. He is pretty good, all right. I was very lucky to train Nayef to won four Group Ones and that takes a bit of doing but this horse was so good as a two-year-old you'd have to think he might be the best that I have trained.'

Ladbrokes offer 40-1 about Sir Percy winning the 2000 Guineas and the Vodafone Derby the following month.

? PA Sport