Tregoning Expects Bold Show From Sir Percy

Sir Percy puts his unbeaten record on the line today when he heads the home challenge for glory in the Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

The two-year-old Mark Of Esteem colt completed a hat-trick when taking the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood by a neck at the end of July.

He hasn´t been in competitive action since but trainer Marcus Tregoning is anticipating a bold show from his charge in the juvenile feature at Headquarters.

The master of Kingsdown Stables said this morning: 'He´s in very good form and will come there a fresh horse.

'He had a bit of time off (after Goodwood) and came back a couple of weeks ago. His first bit of work back was extremely good and we are very happy with him.

'He is in very good form and we expect him to run well. I just hope there is no more rain.'

Barry Hills sends Red Clubs, who has held his form at the highest level throughout the season.

The Coventry Stakes winner was last out in the Group One Shadwell Stud Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket a fortnight ago when he was second to Amadeus Wolf.

Charlie Hills, assistant to his father, said: 'We are very pleased with him. He ran a good race in the Middle Park on ground that he wasn´t ideally suited by. He seems to have come out of the race very well.'

The Red Ransom colt is stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time but connections are confident the increase in distance won´t be an issue.

Charlie Hills added: 'We´ve always looked forward to running him over seven furlongs - I´m sure he´ll see the trip out.'

Aidan O´Brien looks to have the strongest hand with the Ballydoyle trainer declaring both of next year´s Stan James 2,000 Guineas market leaders - George Washington and the undefeated Horatio Nelson - but is set to rely on one, depending on the ground.

Opera Cape, second to Horatio Nelson in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere, reopposes today, while Primary, Palace Episode, Humungous and Close To You complete the nine declared runners.