Irish Derby on the cards for Royal Ascot hero Old Persian
Trainer Charlie Appleby is eyeing a quick return for the King Edward VII winner
A trip to the Curragh for the Irish Derby on Saturday could be next on the agenda for Godolphin star Old Persian.
Charlie Appleby's colt put up an emphatic performance at Royal Ascot last week and the trainer hopes to strike while the iron is hot.
It had looked a competitive field beforehand, but Old Persian demonstrated that he wasn't just a one-trick pony in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes.
Since the second run of his career, the son of Dubawi had only ever won on Newmarket's Rowley mile, harbouring doubts that he would struggle away from his beloved track.
However, Charlie Appleby's three-year-old laughed off the scepticism in game fashion, fending off his rivals to win in tremendous style.
That was a clear career best, and connections are now considering aiming him at the Irish Derby on Saturday.
An added bonus is that the King Edward was a 'win and you're in' race, meaning the Godolphin colt gains automatic entry into the Group 1 contest.
Speaking on www.godolphin.com, Appleby said: "Old Persian has come out of his race very well and I am very pleased with him.
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"I have had initial discussions about the Irish Derby with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and he has agreed to review the situation before the supplementary entry deadline on Tuesday."
If taking his chance, Appleby's stable star would be lining up alongside Investec Derby flop Saxon Warrior.
However, Aidan O'Brien reported yesterday that his 2000 Guineas winner is in better form ahead of his tilt at the Irish classic.
Also taking is chance could be Mark Johnston's Dee Ex Bee, who finished second behind Masar in the Epsom contest.
The trainer said: "The plan is the Irish Derby for Dee Ex Bee. We are looking forward to that.
We had left him in at Royal Ascot, but then the lure of the Irish Derby and the Group 1 prize was too much, so that is where he goes."
Other notable names that could take their chance in the Classic are Hunting Horn, Latrobe, and Young Rascal.