Back in the old routine: Phoenix Of Spain primed to dazzle in Sussex Stakes

Rest, recuperation and routine are the key factors in Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Phoenix Of Spain showing his true colours when clashing with old rival Too Darn Hot in next Tuesday's £1 million Qatar Sussex Stakes – the jewel in Goodwood's glorious crown.

Trained by Charlie Hills for owners Tony Wechsler and Ann Plummer, the strapping son of Lope De Vega was second to Too Darn Hot in last year's Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, but reversed that form in convincing fashion at the Curragh.

However, Too Darn Hot reasserted his authority when third – three places ahead of Phoenix Of Spain – in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Since then, Too Darn Hot has impressed in the Prix Jean Prat, a performance that means he heads the Sussex betting at 5-4 with bet365 and William Hill, while Phoenix Of Spain can be backed at
7-1.

Taking a break

210 – days Phoenix Of Spain had off before the Irish 2,000 Guineas
24 – days between the Irish Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes

Hills, who holds Phoenix Of Spain in the highest regard, believes there are reasons for his below-par Ascot effort, including being unsettled by heightened interest in his future career as a stallion following the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

The trainer said: "Coming to the two pole he was travelling really well in the St James's Palace and I thought he'd pick up and go away, but I think he was found out by the ground.

"They were horrible conditions in that race and the ground was a bit loose on top, which I felt he didn't really handle. All of his best performances have been on fast ground, which is what he needs.

"He ran a huge race in Ireland after a massive layoff, so there's always a chance of bouncing, but he was also quite busy in between Ireland and Ascot."

Elaborating on that activity, Hills added: "There was lots of media and veterinary attention, people poking around for insurance purposes and everything else.

Phoenix Of Spain wins the Irish 2,000 Guineas ahead of Too Darn Hot and DecryptCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He likes to sleep at 11am every morning. Little things like that, which sound silly, but horses do love routines and he loves going out at 7am, having his breakfast, lying down and then looking out of his box in the afternoon. He wasn't able to do that.

"We've had a good chance to freshen him up now and his weight's very good, while Simon Whitworth, who rides him every morning, is really happy with him. We managed to get him on the grass at the weekend and he did a nice piece of work. I think Goodwood could be a good place for us.

"He was quite stiff after Ascot, not 100 per cent sound but he came good after three or four days, and I'm really pleased with how he's moving now. I think he must have just tweaked a muscle.

"He seems happy in himself now and Ascot could have been a combination of things, to run such a big race first time has got to affect them."

A sublime front-running ride from Jamie Spencer helped Phoenix Of Spain win the Irish 2,000 Guineas, but Hills, who was impressed by Too Darn Hot in the Jean Prat, was not prepared to commit to tactics when speaking on Tuesday morning.

Open to the idea of trying the grey over further than a mile, he said: "He's got a massive stride and does like to use it.

"I think we'll see on the day what tactics to use, but we wouldn't want a slow pace, while you wouldn't know what will line up and how many pacemakers Aidan O'Brien would run.

Too Darn Hot (right) was unable to reel in Circus Maximus at Royal AscotCredit: Mark Cranham

"Too Darn Hot has got a lot of speed, but it's going to be great and it's what it should be all about. You want to see these great clashes."

It is one Hills is far from fearful of, talking up his contender by adding: "He's got great size and scope and a wonderful temperament. He's a joy to train and beautiful to look at.

"I'd say he's right up there [with the best I've trained], but we've just got to try to win a couple more Group 1s and hopefully he can become a champion."

You might also be interested in:

Sussex Stakes entries

Irish 2,000 Guineas result, replay and analysis

St James's Palace result, replay and analysis

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