Sir Percy prepares for Sheema

Anthony Pakenham's Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) hero SIR PERCY (Mark of Esteem

[Ire]), preparing for his tilt at the $5 million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1),

had the chance to stretch his legs at Nad Al Sheba last week. Trainer Marcus

Tregoning revealed that the four-year-old enjoyed a straightforward journey to

Dubai and has been on the main track for routine canters.

"He seems to have taken the journey really well," Tregoning explained. "He's

been going on the track without his lead horse, but he's doing very well

cantering on the dirt. I'm pretty pleased with him."

Sir Percy will be making his first start in the Sheema since disappointing

when seventh in Newmarket's Champion S. (Eng-G1) in October, but his conditioner

is hopeful he can banish that memory in Saturday's 12-furlong event.

"As long as he comes back to his very best form, then he's sure to run a very

big race," Tregoning remarked. "Good horses get beat occasionally -- Ouija Board

(GB) got beaten from time to time -- but kept coming back to win good races. I

think the blip was because we'd had such an interrupted preparation with him

last year and it caught up with him towards the end.

"Nad Al Sheba's turf track certainly rides extremely well and, although the

noise and excitement beforehand sometimes gets to horses, he's four now and he's

growing up."