Sir Percy primed for Guineas bid

Sir Percy has been given a 14 to 1 quote to win both the English 2000 Guineas and the English Derby with Coral after he pleased…

Sir Percy has been given a 14 to 1 quote to win both the English 2000 Guineas and the English Derby with Coral after he pleased connections before Saturday's first Classic of the season at Newmarket.

The unbeaten colt, trained by Marcus Tregoning, had his final serious piece of work before the big day and showed he was in top form.

"He worked this morning and went very well," said Tregoning's assistant Pat MacEwan.

"He's in good shape and we're looking forward to the weekend." Sir Percy is 7 to 2 second-favourite for the Guineas and was cut to 9 to 1 from 12 to 1 with the Barking firm for the Derby.

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Barry Hills moved to clarify the situation regarding running and riding arrangements for his three contenders.

The Lambourn trainer has confirmed his son, Michael, will ride either Killybegs or Red Clubs, with Michael's twin brother Richard on the other.

However, a decision is not likely until Thursday when the 48-hour final declarations are made.

Jamie Spencer has been booked for Hills' other runner, Olympian Odyssey.

Michael Hills admits he is finding it difficult to choose between Craven Stakes winner Killybegs and Greenham victor Red Clubs. He is hoping for clues when he partners both horses at work today.

Media Puzzle, winner of the 2002 Melbourne Cup, could have another crack at the Australian showpiece if pleasing connections in the Gold Cup at Ascot this summer.

Dermot Weld's nine-year-old is ready to start his 2006 campaign and will have his first outing of the season in the Saval Beg Stakes at the Curragh on May 28th.

If all goes to plan there, the veteran will be off to the Royal meeting on June 22nd ahead of a possible trip Down Under later in the year.

"He will go for the Saval Beg and then on to Royal Ascot for the Gold Cup," said Weld. "If all goes well there he could go to Melbourne."