Rock Ready To Roll Again

Perce Rock has arrived home safely following his gallant effort in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

Tommy Stack's lightly-raced five-year-old was heavily-backed for the Grade One contest but found Paul Nicholls' Silverburn four lengths too good in the testing conditions.

It was only the fourth race of his life, and Stack's son Fozzy is hopeful there is more improvement to come, but his Cheltenham target will be decided nearer the time.

'He's fine, he arrived home about 9.00am this morning and he seems to be OK,' said Fozzy.

'He had a good blow afterwards but it was the first time he had had a proper race since Cheltenham so he was entitled to really, and it was atrocious ground.

'I would like to think there's still a bit of improvement in him. We thought that when he went to Cheltenham last year and that brought him on a ton so I hope this race brings him on as well.

'We think there is a bit of improvement left but there would need to be.

'Tony (McCoy) said he was slightly disappointed that he couldn't win but Tony never likes finishing second does he!

'I wouldn't know yet what race he will be aimed at at Cheltenham as we will have to see how things pan out, JP (McManus, owner) obviously has Wichita Lineman, who has won a Grade One as well, so we will have to play it by ear between now and then.'

Perce Rock is 12-1 with Paddy Power for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and 14-1 with Bet365 for the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle at the Festival in March.

(C) PA Sport