Appleby confident Old Persian can strike in Grosser Preis von Berlin

129th Longines Grosser Preis von Berlin | Group 1 | 1m4f | 3yo+

Sheema Classic winner Old Persian tackles one of Germany's most prestigious races on Sunday as he bids to bounce back from defeat in the Coronation Cup in May.

The four-year-old son of Dubawi started his 2019 campaign with back-to-back victories at Meydan and was well-fancied at Epsom, but could manage only seventh behind Defoe.

“Old Persian’s preparation has gone well," said trainer Charlie Appleby. "We gave him a break after the Coronation Cup and, if he brings his A-game, he'll be the one to beat.

“His victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic may have taken slightly more out of him than we thought. He's a different horse compared to when going into the Coronation Cup. He's been freshened up and looks different class.”

Old Persian takes on five rivals and will be partnered by William Buick, who returned to the saddle last week after being sidelined for over two months while recovering from post head-injury syndrome.

Godolphin are bidding to follow up in the race after the Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Best Solution struck last year under Pat Cosgrave.

Communique out for first Group 1

Communique has come on leaps and bounds this season and will bid for his first success at the top level for trainer Mark Johnston.

The four-year-old recorded his first Group victory in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in May and, after failing to strike at Epsom and Royal Ascot, beat Mirage Dancer in the Group 2 Princess of Wales's Stakes on the July course.

Communique (left) was a fifth winner of the Princess of Wales's Stakes for Mark JohnstonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Joe Fanning has not ridden Communique since last October and is looking forward to renewing their partnership.

"I've not ridden him for a while," the jockey said. "He's got a big chance and hopefully he runs a big race.

"He was always a nice horse when running in handicaps but has come on this season and deserves a crack at the highest level."

Fanning, who won the German 1,000 Guineas aboard Main Edition in May, will fly out to Germany on Saturday evening after taking four rides at Ayr's evening meeting.

Renewed rivalry

The European challenge is headed by globetrotter French King, who bids for a four-timer for trainer Henri-Alex Pantall and Olivier Peslier after victories in Doha, Cologne and Hamburg.

His victory in the Group 2 Grosser Hansa Preis last time came at the expense of Royal Youmzain, runner-up in his last two starts and attempting to go one better for German trainer Andreas Wohler this time around.

The field is completed by local contenders Alounak and Andoro.

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