Geelong trainer Niall Phillips is content for Costa In The Glen to gradually find his level rather than speculate on any big race prospects for the lightly-raced four-year-old.Phillips said he was still learning about the much-hyped son of Encosta De Lago and that Wednesday's Betfair Handicap (1200m) at Sandown would form another piece of the jigsaw."People speculate about what he can do but I just want to see the horse take the next step," Phillips said.Costa In The Glen has captured the imagin

Geelong trainer Niall Phillips is content for Costa In The Glen to gradually find his level rather than speculate on any big race prospects for the lightly-raced four-year-old.

Phillips said he was still learning about the much-hyped son of Encosta De Lago and that Wednesday's Betfair Handicap (1200m) at Sandown would form another piece of the jigsaw.

"People speculate about what he can do but I just want to see the horse take the next step," Phillips said.

Costa In The Glen has captured the imagination with fast-finishing wins at three of his four starts.

After coming from last to win his Geelong race debut by four lengths in April last year the spotlight on him has got brighter and brighter.

Until now he has never raced in the city but Phillips said the country tracks were the best place for the gelding to get experience, especially as most of his training is done on a synthetic track at Geelong.

"We could have taken him to the city but he wasn't ready and they would have crucified him," Phillips said.

Costa In The Glen had only one run in his first race campaign and only two last spring when he was being touted as a candidate for the better-class races.

Phillips said Costa In The Glen didn't come up as he had hoped last campaign and spelled him after his only defeat at Bendigo where he was beaten a half-head.

"Last time in he wasn't pinging in his work like he normally does but this preparation we have kept him fresh and he is sliding through his gears," Phillips said.

At his only run this year Costa In The Glen won by 1-1/4 lengths at Ballarat beating Veewap who has since won.

Phillips said Costa In The Glen still wasted energy getting wound up on race days but he believes that in time the horse will become more relaxed.

He said the long run home at Sandown should suit Costa In The Glen but admitted it was significant jump in class.

"We are not going there thinking he is unbeatable," Phillips said. "We know he is beatable and that he has to keep proving himself."

Phillips said that he hoped this campaign would provide him with a solid grounding for the spring carnival.

He said he was still working out race distance suitability for Costa In The Glen but early indications were that he would get up to 1600 metres.

"We will see how far we can stretch him out," Phillips said.

"He still does things wrong and has a lot to learn but I am trying to get him right mentally and toughened so he can get his rating up and qualify for races in the spring."

Phillips said stakes races were not under consideration for Costa In The Glen at this stage although he believes he will eventually get his chance.

"He is going to keep improving as he keeps racing," Phillips said.