Trainer Charlie Hills has confirmed Phoenix Of Spain is likely to reappear at the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas later this month. Phoenix Of Spain has been in decent form over past year, winning the Acomb Stakes at York last August before running close to victory at Champagne Stakes in Doncaster and the Vertem Futurity Trophy at the same venue.
He had been considered for a tilt at the first Classic of the season at Newmarket on Saturday but Hills made the decision to pull him out and now he is likely to run at the equivalent at the Curragh on May 25. “He just gave one or two coughs and his scope wasn’t 100 per cent. We’ve knocked that on the head now, but Newmarket was going to be too soon for him,” said the Lambourn-based trainer.
“It’s unfortunate as it did look a very open 2000 Guineas this year, but we’re doing right by the horse. “We’ve given ourselves a bit more time and the plan is to go to for the Irish Guineas. “He’ll probably have another racecourse gallop between now and then.”
