Reverence return delayed
Top sprinter Reverence is set to bypass both the Temple Stakes at Sandown and Royal Ascot in favour of an autumn campaign.
The six-year-old was a dual Group One winner for trainer Eric Alston last term but given his liking for soft ground, the handler is eyeing a late season schedule.
“The plan is to go straight to the Nunthorpe at York in August or perhaps have one run beforehand,” said Alston.
“We shall decide that nearer the time. His targets for the season are the Nunthorpe, the Sprint Cup at Haydock and the Abbaye.”
Alston also confirmed Reverence had suffered a slight knee problem over the winter, although he has totally recovered now.
“He seems great again now although I am doing very little with him. He won the Temple Stakes last year, but it would be too much of a rush to get him ready for Sandown this year and, while the ground is soft now, it rarely is at Royal Ascot so I wouldn’t go there,” he told the Racing Post.
