We decided not to declare Phoenix Of Dreams in either of the races at Haydock this weekend as we just felt there might be better opportunities elsewhere over the next 10 days.

The race of the two at Haydock we had our eye on particularly was the one on Saturday, but having had a close look at the final declarations, we just felt it was a warm enough race for him to make his handicap debut in. It was a 0-90 and he’s rated 78, so we just felt we’d probably be better looking for something a little easier for him at some stage next week.

There’s a 0-80 handicap at Chepstow on Friday 12th July for apprentice riders, and I think all being well that’s where we’ll head with him. There’s enough rain forecast in South Wales over the coming days, so the ground should be fine for him, and without wanting to jump the gun, he’d escape a penalty if he was to win it as it’s an apprentice race, so we could in theory turn him out again off the same mark.

Jason Hart was in earlier this week, and he had a sit on him and was really happy with how he felt, so we are confident once we find the right race for him that he’ll go very close indeed.

Sean Quinn, Coral Racing Club Trainer