Phoenix ready to rise to occasion

Phoenix Reach is “fighting fit and raring to go” ahead of his big test in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

Andrew Balding’s globetrotting star last raced when second in the Singapore Airlines International Cup in May but suffered a bad reaction to treatment for a bout of colic last Friday.

His participation was temporarily put in jeopardy but he is now reported back on song.

“All is well and he is fighting fit and raring to go,” Balding said.

“It did upset his training regime and we had to jiggle a few things round but he worked on Monday and pleased his regular work rider, so we are all very happy.

“He had an eye infection and then he had a bout of colic so it hasn’t been ideal but he’s a pretty tough customer.”

Phoenix Reach will be having his first race in Britain at the weekend since he was 10th of 11 behind Doyen in last year’s King George.

However, he has since been campaigned overseas with great success and has recorded Group One victories in Hong Kong and Dubai.

“He was not right at all last summer and he bled after the race or during the race last year,” Balding continued.

Of his chances on Saturday, the Kingsclere trainer added: “As ever it’s a very tough race with Azamour, Grey Swallow and Eswarah as well. She’s a potential star.

“But it would be foolish to underestimate his foreign form and he deserves to be there.”