Presenting Percy team target John Durkan for chasing star's return from injury
Connections of Presenting Percy are hoping December's John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown will provide clues as to how high the eight-year-old can fly this season.
The 2018 RSA Chase hero quickly became one of the most popular and promising horses in training and was sent off 100-30 favourite for last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup after winning on his return in the Galmoy Hurdle. However, Philip Reynolds' pride and joy ran below par in eighth and returned lame.
The early signs have been positive regarding Presenting Percy's recovery, and December 8 has been pencilled in as a possible starting point for the Pat Kelly-trained son of Sir Percy.
"We've been taking it slowly with him," said Reynolds. "We couldn't figure out where it happened at Cheltenham but he definitely came home lame and was sore afterwards. He hasn't come close to doing enough to know where he's at, or whether he's the same or not, but it's a case of so far, so good."
He added of the two-time Cheltenham Festival winner: "I think in layman's terms, he had what you'd call a bone bruise. I asked [vet] Gerry Kelly to give him the full MOT.
"At the end of July he went back to Gerry, who said he was happy, and he's back cantering away. All being well he might start back in the John Durkan."
Reynolds is now keen for his charge to show his full ability on the track before long-term targets are established. "I'd like to know he's the horse we thought he was before we start talking about where he might go," he said.
"He's yet to show me that he is, and he's had his problem, so hopefully that won't leave any effect on him. I think Punchestown will give us a fair idea as to where we're going with him."
Presenting Percy is a 20-1 chance for the 2020 Magners Gold Cup and Reynolds added: "Our sights have been lowered and there are an awful lot of good novices out there, as well as quality horses at his own age.
"If he never does anything else for me, he owes me nothing. I'm sure he owes the punters a few quid from last season in the Gold Cup and hopefully we'll all recoup that with time. He's still young enough if he's good enough."
Reynolds is also excited about impressive Aintree scorer Moon Over Germany, who showed his wellbeing when winning readily at Ballinrobe recently.
"I'm really looking forward to him this winter," said Reynolds. "If he can step up in distance it might open up more options, he could try two and a half miles next."
He added: "The horse has been a labour of love. I spent two years looking at him in the field wondering if I was wasting my time. Henry [de Bromhead] has done a marvellous job and Rachael [Blackmore] seems to get on well with him."
Mall Dini, winner of the Pertemps Final in 2016, is on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the Mayo National but could be on course for a tilt at the Foxhunter next year.
Reynolds explained: "His knock wasn't that bad but needs time. I hope to have him back in training at Christmas.
"If we could get him back then maybe we could look at a Foxhunter or something like that. He's not going to be ready much before Cheltenham, so it could be a route to take with him, or aim for something like the Irish National."
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