The conformation of Phalaris was typical of a sprinter, upstanding in build, but he was slightly back at the knee.

Phalaris was one of the most influential sires to serve Lord Derby's interests, and he had a major influence on modern Thoroughbred pedigrees the world over.

Among his notable progeny, Phalaris sired five Classic race winners plus the following horses: [2][4][5] Phalaris’ major tail-male descendants in the USA include, Native Dancer, Raise a Native, Mr. Prospector, Bold Ruler, Secretariat, Affirmed, Alydar, Seattle Slew, and of course the great Northern Dancer.

His tail-male line British descendants, or those that raced in Britain or Ireland, include such champions as Arkle (steeplechaser), Blue Peter, Fair Trial, Nasrullah, Royal Palace, Nijinsky, Sir Ivor, Roberto, Brigadier Gerard, Mill Reef, Shergar, Troy, Grundy, Galileo, Sea Bird II, Sea the Stars, High Chaparral and Frankel.

Nearco, a son of Pharos who was sire of Nasrullah and grandsire of Northern Dancer, raced in Italy and France.