Sir Percy's Epsom Derby Talking Horse

Sir Percy's Epsom Derby talking horse has undergone his preparations for next week's Stan James 2,000 Guineas and all seems on course for a big run.

Unbeaten in four starts as a juvenile, each run and every piece of work brings him closer to a peak for his seasonal debut.

But the final days before his date with destiny are arguably more nerve-wracking than the first Classic of the season itself.

His big-race pilot, Merseysider Martin Dwyer, sat out racing on Tuesday with a minor back injury, and he is hoping that both form and fitness point to his second Classic victory.

The 30 years-old was back in the saddle yesterday and he reported both himself and Marcus Tregoning's unbeaten colt to be in fine condition ahead of their acid test at Newmarket a week on Saturday.

Having worked superbly in a racecourse gallop at Newbury under Dwyer last Friday the Mark Of Esteem colt is ready for the Group One contest, for which he is 9-2 with Ladbrokes and Coral.

Dwyer, who also rode Sir Percy in a similar piece of work on Tregoning's Kingwood House gallops on Tuesday, said: "I was very happy with his gallop at Newbury last week.

"He worked really well and it is fingers crossed for the big day. He goes there in great form and he must have a great chance. I worked him yesterday morning and again he just moved upsides and didn't do anything serious. But he is ready to go now and we will just keep him ticking over.

"He has done all his work and he is very well in himself."

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