Watch Sheppard`s go Sheppard`s Watch could step up to Group race company after winning the opening race of the Epsom Derby meeting today. Marcus Tregoning`s three-year-old filly was sent off a 6-1 chance for the Listed Princess Elizabeth Stakes on the back of her win at the same level at Goodwood last month. Settled in midfield by Martin Dwyer as favourite Matoaka led at a sedate pace, Sheppard`s Watch produced a telling burst after the tempo had increased in the straight to hit the front a furlong out and hold Lady Miletrian by half a length. Tregoning felt that Sheppard`s Watch would cope with the undulating circuit and he said: 'You never quite know how they`re going to handle it, but we`d had two experiences of Goodwood and we felt she would come down the hill. 'It was then a matter of how the race was run, and Martin rode a very cool race and produced her absolutely spot on. She found a good gear or two, and she might get a bit further.' Tregoning will considersupplementing Sheppard`s Watch for the Group One Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. 'That is a big thing,' Tregoning admitted, and suggested that the Group Two Falmouth Stakes at the Newmarket July meeting might be a more viable option.
