Pearl Spectre becoming a Dundalk regular British challenger Pearl Spectre races for a third consecutive time at Dundalk on Friday when he goes for gold in the feature race of the night. Trained in Newmarket by Phil McEntee, the six-year-old gelding is one of nine declared runners for the 17,000 euro handicap over seven furlongs. Pearl Spectre has been highly tried on the all-weather of late, having won three races from his last 12 outings since November. He also shaped encouragingly in his two prior trips to Dundalk, most notably when an unlucky-in-running third behind Sign Of The Kodiac and Gordon Lord Byron over six furlongs last Friday. McEntee said: "He ran a blinding race in the fast-track qualifier last week. "He was also most unfortunate as he was checked for room inside the final furlong. "He's back in a handicap and Pat Smullen rides, so we are expecting a big run from home. "He's gone up 3lb since last week, but we've got a nice draw and seven (furlongs) will also help him." Naul handler Damian English saddles Red Avenger, who along with Pearl Spectre is joint-top weight, and Tribal Path. Listed-winning eight-year-old Strait Of Zanzibar (Ken Condon) has not been in great form at Dundalk but receives weight from the field, while the in-form Split The Atom has also been declared David Marnane. Patrick, Ishebayorgrey, Northern Surprise and Peticoatgovernment complete the line-up.
