Percy (NZ) steps up to Wellington Guineas

Sir Percy’s first crop are coming into their own as spring three year-olds and leading the way are Percy (NZ) and Sir Andrew (NZ).

A Group 1 winner of the Dewhurst Stakes and English Derby, Sir Percy (Mark of Esteem) shuttled from Lanwades Stud in England to Rich Hill Stud for three southern books until 2011.

Percy (3g Sir Percy – Blue Heaven by Centaine) came from well off the pace to score at Wanganui on debut and he will step up in class for the G2 Wellington Guineas at Trentham on Saturday.

“We’ve had some quite interesting offers for him,” New Plymouth part-owner and trainer Susan Rainford said.  “But we’re at that stage of life where we’ve paid off the mortgage and there’s nothing like racing a good horse.”

Percy is a younger half-brother to G1 Easter Hcp winner Pasta Post (Postponed) and G3 Hawke’s Bay Gold Cup winner Don Domingo (Don Eduardo).

Sir Andrew (3g Sir Percy – Biennale by Royal Academy) is heading to Melbourne after a last-start victory in the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas.  Trainer Richard Otto confirmed he will run in the G3 Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington on November 2.

“He will fly over on Wednesday, race Saturday and return home on the Sunday,” Otto said.  “There’s a possibility he could stay on for the Sandown Guineas but it will depend on how he goes at Flemington.

“The trip over there and the atmosphere on Derby Day will be great for him mentally and there’s a lot of improvement in him.”

Sir Andrew is raced by Rich Hill Stud’s managing director John Thompson and his wife Margaret.  The gelding’s long-term goal is the G1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick in April.