'He's a yard legend' - Peregrine Run seeks milestone win in Ulster Cesarewitch

Friday: 6.10 Down Royal
Grant Thornton Ulster Cesarewitch Handicap | 2m2f, 3yo+ | RTV

Popular veteran Peregrine Run proved he still retains plenty of his old sparkle when defying top weight to land a £25,000 handicap chase at Worcester last month, and the evergreen 12-year-old holds strong claims of following up in this stamina test.

It could be a milestone 20th career win for the Peter Fahey-trained stalwart – returning to the scene of his breakthrough hurdles success back in August 2016 – and this trip should bring out the best in him on his first Flat appearance since winning at Leopardstown last year.

His mark of 78 in this sphere leaves him 1lb off the top-rated contender Scenic Look, a winner on the Flat at the Galway festival who readily scored in a 2m1f mares' maiden hurdle at this track last week.

This dual-purpose filly looks to be in the form of her life, but an improved performance will be required to win while giving weight to all her rivals.

Scenic Look: enjoying an excellent run for trainer Adrian MurrayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Willie Mullins has a live chance with Dark Voyager, who has been running creditably in defeat of late but needs to find some progression to score, while the Karl Thornton-trained Rich Belief could leave behind a disappointing hurdles effort at Killarney now switching back to the Flat.

Noel Meade has won this race four times since 2012 and is responsible for two lively challengers, saddling recent Ballinrobe handicap hurdle winner Sheishybrid and capable stayer Female Approach.

It would not be a surprise if Female Approach raised her game a fair deal for trying this new, longer trip on the Flat.

What they say

Adrian Murray, trainer of Scenic Look
She's been doing great in her last few starts and is taking her racing very well. The trip won't be any problem to her. She's a tough mare.

Peter Fahey, trainer of Peregrine Run
He's been a legend for the yard and it was brilliant to see him get his head in front again last time. We're hoping there isn't any rain for him and he should see out the trip fine.

Noel Meade, trainer of Sheishybrid and Female Approach
Hopefully this will suit them both. Sheishybrid was very good last time over hurdles and seems to be in great form so hopefully she'll bring that to the track. Female Approach has a nice weight and, like Sheishybrid, stays well.

Sheila Lavery, trainer of Thermoscope and Annecherie
Thermoscope has a lovely pedigree and I think he'll enjoy the step up in trip. We just had to give him time to develop previously, it wasn't that there was anything wrong with him. He's been improving. Annecherie is a strong stayer who won twice at Dundalk. She hasn't yet brought that form to the grass, but we're hopeful.

Jim Gorman, representative for Luke Comer, trainer of Three Comets
He ran well over hurdles last time at Galway and hopefully that run might help to spark him up back on the Flat. His previous start at Killarney was decent too and I think he'll stay the trip, so hopefully he runs a nice race.

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