Houtzen stumble hinders Battaash but Hills still proud of sprint star's effort

The first day of the meeting had the potential to go off with a bang for Charlie Hills, but instead, rather like the weather it was a bit of a damp squib.

The trainer came into the opening day of the fixture with two live chances in Battaash and Phoenix Of Spain but left empty-handed.

Battaash was sent off the 2-1 favourite for the King's Stand, and while he ran a mighty race, old adversary Blue Point proved a little bit better in defeating him by a length and a quarter.

It was a case of history repeating itself, as the two sprinters had fought out the finish in the race 12 months ago with Blue Point triumphing by a length and three quarters on that occasion.

Hills felt the draw played a part in Battaash's 2019 defeat, as he was drawn in 12 and Blue Point as far away as possible in stall one, and then circumstances left Battaash without a pacemaker to aim at.

Blue Point (left): gets the better of Battaash (right) for the second year running in the King's StandCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He ran a really good race but unfortunately the Australian horse [Houtzen] was going to make the running but stumbled leaving the stalls and that took us slightly out of the race," the trainer said.

In the St James's Palace, Phoenix Of Spain was unable to replicate his devastating performance in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, fading into sixth behind Circus Maximus.

Prior to the race Hills had wondered aloud whether Phoenix Of Spain's Curragh exertions might have left a mark, and he said: "He ran to a rating of 120 first time out which is massive and was fine at home but you never quite know until you race. He ran a bit flat.

"We'll give him a bit of time and look at something like the Sussex Stakes."

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