Soviet Pimpernel is set for a return to the top level on his next appearance following last week’s impressive victory at Limerick.

The winner of a Listowel bumper and a Gowran maiden hurdle earlier in the season, Peter Fahey’s charge was then narrowly denied by Quel Destin at Cheltenham – before finishing sixth behind star novice Envoi Allen in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse.

Dropped to Grade 3 level for his latest assignment, the son of Elusive Pimpernel returned to winning ways in some style – and he may test the water in Grade 1 company for a second time at Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival in early February.

Fahey said: “I was thrilled with him. I thought it was a very good performance, and he did it nicely.

“We’ll keep tipping away with him. I’d imagine we’ll give him entries at the Dublin Racing Festival and hope he can go for something in Cheltenham after that.

“We’ll see how it goes. I know he was well beaten in the Grade 1 in Fairyhouse, but he definitely wasn’t right that day.

“We’ll definitely be sticking to two miles for the time being. I think you’ll see a better horse when the ground dries out in the spring – because one thing this horse isn’t short of is speed.”

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