Phoenix of Dreams

What makes his genuinely competitive is his secondary form. He has picked up 11 places across him 23 races, which means he finishes in the frame in roughly one race out of two — a much stronger indicator than his win rate alone. His last six races tell a revealing story: a win, followed by two thirds and a fourth, then a seventh, then a recent third just a day ago. That finish last week shows he is still racing and still capable of getting close to the front, even if crossing the line first remains elusive.

Jason Hart has been her regular partner, riding her in 17 races and winning twice together — a 12% win rate that edges slightly ahead of her overall record. At Class 5 level, where he does most of his racing, he has won 1 of 10 races (10%), which suggests he is roughly where he belongs in the pecking order. She is trained by John and Sean Quinn's Norton yard in Yorkshire, a stable that has sent out 44 winners this season and clearly knows how to keep horses competitive. Phoenix of Dreams may never be a star, but he is the kind of honest, consistent sort that pays for his keep and occasionally gives his supporters something to cheer about.