Phoenix can confirm Irish 2000 Guineas form

With the Queen Anne, the St James’s Palace Stakes, the King’s Stand Stakes and the Coventry all on one card, day one of Royal Ascot can claim to be the best day’s racing of the entire year, and the renewed rivalry of Irish 2000 Guineas first and second, Phoenix Of Spain and Too Darn Hot, in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes sets the tone for a fabulous five days at the Berkshire track.

Charlie Hills’ horse can confirm the form in a race which should answer many questions. The grey was one of the best juveniles of last season, winning twice and finishing runner-up to Too Darn Hot on one occasion and to subsequent Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner Magna Grecia on another.