3 minute read
Irish trainer Peter Fahey is considering two options at The Open for his exciting novice hurdler Peregrine Run.
The progressive six-year-old son of King's Theatre has won on his last three starts, culminating with a victory in a Listed contest over two miles and five furlongs at Limerick on October 9.
At The Open, Peregrine Run holds entries in both the G2 £30,000 Neptune Investment Management Hyde Novices' Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs (12.55pm, Countryside Day, Friday, November 11) and the two-mile £30,000 G2 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (12.45pm, The Open Sunday, November 13).
Fahey, who is based in County Kildare, is leaning towards Friday's contest and said today: "Peregrine Run has two options at Cheltenham but is more than likely to go for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle on the Friday.
"He is in good old form and worked nicely the other morning. His performances this season have been very good and he seems to be an improving horse.
"I can't say I have got a reason why he has improved - maybe he has just taken time to mature. Since he won his maiden hurdle, he has been thriving and improving with each run.
"Providing the ground is on the nice side, he should run a good race on Friday.
"Once the ground softens, we might try him over two miles and see how he gets on but we won't keep him too busy him over the winter. We will have him back for the spring festivals."
There are 14 entries for Neptune Investment Management Hyde Novices' Hurdle, with other leading contenders including Wholestone (Nigel Twiston-Davies) and Thistlecrack's half-brother West Approach (Colin Tizzard), who were first and second respectively in the Richard Allen, Waters & The Brittons Novices' Hurdle over three miles at The Showcase on October 22.
Champion Jump trainer Paul Nicholls has entered Rouge Devils, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, who has landed his last two starts at Wincanton.