It’s been a pleasure to train Rockstar Icon since he arrived at my yard. He is a real gentleman of a horse. He has taken everything in his stride, and he tries his absolute best, which is great to see with a two-year-old.

I hope you have all had a chance to see the video (above) of him on the gallops earlier this week. He worked with a bunch of two-year-olds and an older horse over six furlongs. It helps to have an experienced runner with them as they set an example.

From what I have seen of him so far, I think he is going to start over six or seven furlongs, as I don’t believe he is an out-and-out speed horse who will shine over the minimum trip of five furlongs. He is set for some more work over a six-furlong gallop next week just to see where we are with him.

With two-year-olds, it is important to be patient as we don’t want to rush them out of the track. But I do think he will come on fitness-wise for the recent work we have been doing. I’ll have a better idea next week about when I feel he will be ready for his first racecourse experience.

Oliver Cole, Coral Racing Club Trainer