Phoenix of Dreams makes his way down to Southwell this evening for Division I of the Class 5 Handicap over seven furlongs (17:30).

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

It's been a rollercoaster of a year so far for Phoenix Of Dreams, who has found himself in the winners enclosure but also in a stalls test, all within a matter of months. Following his victory at Newcastle in March, our five-year-old ran three more times, which included a strong third place finish at Southwell, before being given a well deserved rest. Given that he had run nine times between December and that appearance at Southwell, it was no surprise that John & Sean Quinn made the call to let him have some time off to recoup. His return to the track, which came at the start of August at Ayr, didn't quite go to plan. After becoming wound up before the start of the race, Phoenix Of Dreams became more upset when he was in the stalls to the point at which the stewards had no choice but to remove him and withdraw him from the contest. 

WATCH: Dougie Costello explains what went on at the starting stalls with Phoenix Of Dreams

It was completely uncharacteristic and something that none of us had seen from a horse who has always had a lovely temperament. However, rules are in place for a reason and Phoenix Of Dreams was then required to complete a stalls test before being allowed to head back out on the racecourse. This is in order to prove that it was a one time thing and that he wasn't going to be consistently agitated when presented with the task of coming under orders. Thankfully, he passed that stalls test with flying colours and was cleared to return to racing, albeit with the caveat that he would have to enter the traps late to ensure that such a situation wouldn't happen again. 

Since then, he's been working his way back to full fitness at home following his extended break and has been impressing the Highfield Stables team in his exercise. In truth, he's probably been ready to get back out on course since that day at Ayr, but has had to wait for the right opportunity to come up so that we can see our gelding put his best foot forward once more. 

Phoenix Of Dreams faces eight rivals at Southwell, including the Michael Herrington-trained Feel The Need and Thapa VC for Mark Rimell. Profit Street and King Of York also bring plenty of experience to the race while the younger Tactical Blitz and Because We Can add an interesting three-year-old challenge. With Jack Mitchell in the saddle, Phoenix Of Dreams looks set for a competitive nine-runner race under the Southwell lights.

WATCH: Sean Quinn gives us an update on Phoenix Of Dreams before he heads to Southwell

Exclusive Price Boost in today's 17:30 at Southwell

Trainer and Jockey Statistics

John and Sean Quinn

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