Forever In Dreams gave the members of the Phoenix Ladies Syndicate another day to remember with a tough performance to claim third in the Group One Champions Sprint on Champions Day.
It’s the second time the Aidan Fogarty trained filly has placed in Group One company at Ascot this season, adding to her runners-up effort in the Commonwealth Cup at ‘the Royal Meeting.’ A winner at Listed level the three-year-old is fast become a sprinter to follow, delivering on the promise she showed as a juvenile.
Despite an encouraging run in the Prix de la Foret on her last outing, the grey was sent off as a 66/1 shot but jockey Jamie Spencer produced a classy ride in very testing conditions to guide her into places. Settled in mid-field for much of the race the rider found a willing partner in the daughter of Dream Ahead as she battled out a three-way finish with the top-class duo of Donjuan Triumphant and One Master. Angled out to make her challenge a couple of furlongs out the filly put her head down, fighting for her place on the podium.
“That was a brilliant performance,” said a grinning Aidan Fogarty. “She is a horse we have always thought the world of and we are delighted with her. She enjoys this ground and Jamie gave her a great ride.
“She is such an exciting filly to train and hopefully there is plenty more to come. As a three-year-old in a competitive Group One sprint at Ascot, this was a huge run.”
This result is a perfect gift for the Phoenix Ladies Syndicate who are preparing to celebrate their first anniversary.
“To have this horse running these huge races on the biggest stages is huge for us.” said the group’s Principal Pamela Cordina. “We’ve only had her such a short time but she has already given us two fantastic results. We are very proud of our girl and Aidan has done a terrific job with her. We hope we are looking at a very successful future with her.”
The Saudi Cup race over six and a half furlongs is among the possible targets for Forever In Dreams while trips to Hong Kong and Dubai are also among options under discussion.