Phoenix Of Spain

Phoenix Of Spain is not really under the radar, winner of the Acomb Stakes, but he was very impressive in landing the Group 3 contest, and he is a big strapping colt from whom there should be more to come. He was behind early on, and they went fairly fast up front, which probably set it up for him a bit. It did take him a stride or two to find his rhythm when Jamie Spencer asked him to pick up but, once he did, he finished off his race really powerfully down the near side to go on and win by a length and a half from Watan, who was two lengths clear of Persian Moon in third. It was a really likeable performance, and the form is strong. Watan had looked very good in winning his maiden at Goodwood on his previous run, his racecourse debut, while third-placed Persian Moon had won his previous two.

This was just Phoenix Of Spain’s third run. He ran an eye-catching race at Sandown on his racecourse debut, when Persian Moon finished in front of him, and he was impressive in winning a novice stakes at Wolverhampton on his last run before Wednesday. He is a big powerful son of Lope De Vega who should continue to improve as he matures and fills his frame, and he should get further than 7f on this evidence. His trainer mentioned the Racing Post Trophy as a possible next target, and he would be an interesting contender in that race over 1m.

York, 22^nd August 2018