Silvestre de Sousa will partner Dee Ex Bee in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Saturday.
De Sousa guided the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum owned colt into second place behind Masar at the Epsom Derby and trainer Mark Johnston has again turned to the champion jockey after Dee Ex Bee was supplemented for the Classic on Tuesday.
Godolphin jockey William Buick had been in line to partner the Farhh colt, but will now be aboard Old Persian after the Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old won in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last week.
Johnston said: “William was going to ride Dee Ex Bee but with Charlie declaring another horse (Old Persian) we have switched back to Silvestre, the same jockey as in the Derby, so it couldn’t be better.
“Everything has been great since Epsom, perfect.
“Any rain would have suited us but, at the same time, we don’t think he needs it, so we’re happy to go.”
Appleby is bidding to cap off the best month of his career after Masar’s victory in Epsom followed up with two winners at Ascot last week.
He said: “We are very happy with the way Old Persian came out of the race last week and the signs are all very positive.”
“An eight-day turnaround at that level is always a concern, but you can’t fault the way he’s come out of Ascot.
“He’s eaten up and exercised well. He bounces back from his runs very quickly, and we are confident we can come to the Curragh at the weekend with a horse that is going to be very competitive.
