Bek defects from Derby, Percy plans remain fluid
The son of Halling had been ante-post favourite for the Curragh Classic next Sunday after his close but unlucky fourth in the Vodafone Derby.
He looked like winning at Epsom until he dived right inside the final furlong, ruining his chance.
Philip Robinson got Hala Bek going again but it was too late and he failed by less than a length to catch the winner Sir Percy.
Michael Jarvis had been hoping to gain compensation in the Irish equivalent but he said on Saturday: “He doesn’t run in the Irish Derby.
“He didn’t work satisfactorily this morning and there is just something not right with the horse.
“We are going to wait and we are going to prepare him for the autumn. We are going to get right whatever is ailing the horse.”
Budweiser Irish Derby
Cashmans bet: 3 Darsi, Dylan Thomas, 7/2 Best Name, 4 Puerto Rico, Best Alibi, 6 Dragon Dancer
Ladbrokes bet: 11-4 Darsi, 7-2 Dylan Thomas, 5-1 Best Name, Puerto Rico, 7-1 Dragon Dancer, 10-1 bar.
Meanwhile connections of Vodafone Derby winner Sir Percy will bide their time before mapping out a late-summer campaign.
The Mark Of Esteem colt is reported to be back in full health after enjoying a short holiday but trainer Marcus Tregoning has ruled out any imminent engagements.
Sir Percy, who was a little jarred up after Epsom, had been entered for the Budweiser Irish Derby but the Coral-Eclipse Stakes was preferred as a possible target. However Tregoning will not hurry his stable star.
“We gave him a little break and he is back in for exercise tomorrow,” said Tregoning. He will be back trotting for a while before steady cantering and we will take it from there.
“He’s done well for the break and he’s back sound now, no problems.
“We have no plans for him at the moment and we’re just going to wait and see with him.”
Owners Anthony and Victoria Pakenham are keen to keep Sir Percy in training next season so Tregoning is in no rush to tackle the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October.
“The Arc might be more likely as a four-year-old but it is a possibility as the winner of that race has usually been given a break at some point in the season,” he added.
“There are plenty of options for him though and we will just wait a while before making any decisions.”
