Aidan Fogarty is casting his eyes to France next for Forever In Dreams as he maps out a Group One programme for his Commonwealth Cup runner-up.
The Dream Ahead Filly was sold to the Phoenix Ladies Syndicate at the Goffs London Sale on Monday having been sold by owner-breeder Con Marnane and will stay with the Tipperary based trainer.
He can therefore begin planning ahead, and first port of call is August’s Prix Maurice de Gheest – a return to France, where the grey was initially trained by Matthieu Palussiere and won her first two races as a juvenile.
“She only travelled home on Sunday morning, and travelled back super.” said Fogarty.
“We’ll see how she comes out of the race, but I’m leaning towards the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville now. That’s the plan – she’ll probably go back to France for that.”
It will be Forever In Dreams’ second successive Group One assignment against the colts, having hinted at her potential with a decisive Listed win at Haydock last month.
“She’s a big filly, and I hope she should keep improving away,” added Fogarty.
“If she keeps going the way she is, I hope she might win a Group One by the end of the year.”
It was an uncertain as well as hugely exciting week for the Irishman as he waited to discover first whether Forever In Dreams was up to the tough task – and then if the high-profile new owners would keep her with him.
“There was a little bit of pressure on,” he said.
“But she did great, and they’re lovely people to deal with.
“They were very happy with their first runner in England, so everything worked out super – with Phoenix Thoroughbred actually winning the race, as well, great all round for them to have a one-two.”
Fogarty had never previously been to Ascot, and Forever In Dreams’ success at Haydock provided him with a winner at his first attempt in Britain.
After she upped the ante at the Royal meeting, he said:
“It was an unreal run, brilliant. I’m delighted with her.
“She massively exceeded our expectations. We went down very hopeful, but we never thought that was going to happen.
“That was my first time at Ascot. We’ll be back again now, anyway!”