Reverence set for Naas test

Reverence will aim to get his career back on track when he makes his first visit to Ireland on Saturday.

The seven-year-old, without a win since landing the second of his two Group One successes in September 2006, is under consideration for the Listed Woodlands Stakes over five furlongs at Naas.

“He’ll go Naas for a Listed race next Saturday,” said trainer Eric Alston.

Reverence disappointed slightly when only fifth to Sonny Red at Nottingham earlier this month in his first race since breaking a blood vessel when trailing home last in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August.

He had won that race in 2006 and followed up in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock, but things did not go to plan last season.

“He’s in great form and has come out of the Nottingham race well,” Alston went on.

“He probably needed the race more than I thought and I think he may have done a bit too much in the early stages.”

Alston may be on the lookout for a jockey if Jimmy Quinn, who replaced the now retired Kevin Darley at Nottingham may be needed in England.

“I don’t know who will ride with it being in Ireland. It all depends where the jockeys are,” the Preston-based handler added.