Phoenix of Dreams heads to Ayr this afternoon for the Ayr Gold Cup Handicap (20:00).

Read our Raceday LIVE Preview below and join us ahead of the race for all the build-up and live updates from the track on X (@CRCofficial).

Raceday LIVE Preview

Our smart five-year-old Phoenix Of Dreams returns to action at Ayr this evening and heads into the contest in great shape following a patient build-up through the summer.

The team have been delighted with Phoenix in recent weeks. He has been building his fitness steadily at home and has really been catching the eye in his work, looking fit, strong and well ahead of tonight’s assignment.

There was plenty to like about his form earlier in the year, including a 7f victory at Newcastle in March, before he finished a solid third at Southwell on his latest start in April. Tonight sees him return to turf for the first time since last October and after plenty of good work at home, we’re looking forwards to seeing how he gets on.

Dougie Costello takes the ride and his experience should be a real asset. Phoenix is drawn in stall four and we’ll be hoping that  he can find a good rhythm early before working his way into the race.

There are several interesting rivals in opposition. Runninsonofagun brings particularly strong course form, having won over this course and distance in July before finishing third and second on his two subsequent visits to Ayr. Yaaser is an experienced multiple winner who finished third at Hamilton on his latest start and is another who knows Ayr well.

Milford Grange has twice finished runner-up at Ayr this season and could appreciate returning to a track where he has already run well, while Supreme Clarets has a couple of runner-up finishes amongst his recent form and was fourth at Chester last time out.

Phoenix has a little bit to prove returning to turf and this is his first run for more than three months but he has been given plenty of time to prepare and the team have been really pleased with him at home. We know our boy has ability and tonight is a great opportunity to get his campaign back underway.

Hopefully he can travel into the race nicely under Dougie and give us plenty to be encouraged about in what looks a competitive contest.

Pipped At The Post – Member Exclusive

As a Coral Racing Club member, thanks to our Pipped At The Post offer, once you opt-in, you could be paid as a WINNER in CASH up to a stake of £/€10 if your horse finishes 2nd by a head or less behind the winner in today's 20:00 Ayr – click here to find out more.


Exclusive Price Boost in today's 20:00 Ayr

Tap below to head over to the Horse Racing Specials page and check out your exclusive price boost on Phoenix Of Dreams to finish in the top three at Ayr this evening!


Trainer and Jockey Statistics

John and Sean Quinn are operating at a 16% strike rate over the last 14 days, with 3 winners from 19 runners and 8 places. The team have been really pleased with Phoenix’s work at home and will be hoping their patient approach pays off as he returns to action at Ayr.

Dougie Costello has enjoyed 24 winners and 74 places from 320 rides this season, operating at a 7% strike rate. His experience will be a real asset aboard Phoenix and he’ll be looking to get our five-year-old travelling nicely on his first run back.

Phoenix of Dreams

As winners of the recent Owner for the Day competition, 10 lucky Coral Racing Club members have been given the chance to enjoy an exclusive owners experience for Phoenix of Dreams' run at Ayr this afternoon.

What's included in this Owner for the Day prize?

• Free racecourse entry
• Access to the Owners & Trainers enclosure
• Access to the Parade Ring before the race
• Meet Phoenix of Dreams and John and Sean Quinn
• Take home a 10% share of any prize money he wins