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Caturra digs deep for Rose Bowl victory

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Caturra clung on for a narrow victory in the Ire Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Rose Bowl Stakes at Newbury.

Clive Cox’s Bath novice winner performed with plenty of credit when beaten just over three lengths into seventh in last month’s Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, and was a 7-2 chance for this Listed assignment under Adam Kirby.

After battling his way to the front, Caturra first looked likely to be picked up by 9-4 favourite Orazio and Frankie Dettori, but saw him off despite hanging slightly left.

In the final strides, Detail was then flashing home in the hands of Sean Levey, but the line came in time for Cox’s charge to prevail by a neck.

The Lambourn trainer said: “He’s a lovely horse – and it was a great run at Ascot, I thought, of all the horses who raced up with the pace.

“It wasn’t a strong pace today, and when he hit the front I felt he only just did enough because he’s very laid back – but I’m very happy.”

Caturra is set to go back up in class again next – possibly at Goodwood or York.

“I was very much keen on the Richmond (Stakes at Goodwood) after Ascot, but I didn’t think we could pass up this opportunity,” added Cox.

“If it had remained soft we wouldn’t have been here.

“Where we go from here will be dependent on how the horse comes out of it – we’re only two weeks away from Goodwood. We’ll be dictated by his well-being – if we do run it will be because he’s showing us he’s very well.

“The Gimcrack could be on the cards as well – his temperament is so pleasing, and we’re still learning about him. He would be just as adept over five furlongs, and today the winning distance was diminishing.”

Cox in no hurry to decide Diligent Harry aim

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Clive Cox is predicting a bright future for Diligent Harry after his third place in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle.

Taking on older horses for the first time, the three-year-old was beaten by Chil Chil and Good Effort but Cox was excited by what he witnessed.

The trainer had hoped to run Diligent Harry in the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot, but the ground turned soft and he was taken out on the morning of the race.

“I thought he ran a super race and he’s come back well,” said Cox.

“He’s clearly progressing at a very good level still.

“He was coming back at them again at the line and he’s an exciting prospect at this stage of his career.”

Diligent Harry holds Group One entries in the July Cup and the Flying Five at the Curragh but Cox will not rush into a decision over where he heads next.

He said: “We’ve covered all entries but we’ll work out the best route forwards as we progress. We’ll just sit on the fence a little bit and see how we feel through the next week, but he’s a very exciting prospect and I’m so pleased to have him on our hands.”

Cox will, though, be represented in the July Cup by Supremacy, another who missed the Commonwealth Cup due to the testing conditions.

“We’re very much intending to go the July Cup route, all going well,” said Cox.

“As we are at the moment, that is very much the plan. Ascot was frustrating but it can happen.”

Supremacy ready to prove point in Commonwealth Cup

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Clive Cox expects Supremacy to show his true colours in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, following a below-par run on his seasonal debut.

Last season’s Middle Park Stakes hero disappointed in the Pavilion Stakes, the official trial for the six-furlong Group One, but has been pleasing Cox in his preparation for the big day.

The Lambourn trainer said: “Supremacy had a disappointing comeback run, but clearly he wasn’t right for that – which wasn’t obvious before.

“We’re certainly very happy with the way he has trained in the meantime, and I’m hoping he can put that run behind him.”

Cox may have a second Commonwealth Cup contender too with Diligent Harry, who has won three of his four starts on the all-weather.

Diligent Harry (green and red colours) could join stablemate Supremacy in the Commonwealth Cup
Diligent Harry (green and red colours) could join stablemate Supremacy in the Commonwealth Cup (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

“Another one possibly is Diligent Harry,” he said.

“He’s yet to run on the turf and missed his intended starts in the Carnarvon (at Newbury) and Sandy Lane (at Haydock) because of very soft ground.

“He’s a very exciting, unexposed turf campaigner who did remarkably well on the all-weather.”

Cox’s team at the Royal meeting includes Nando Parrado, who caused a 150-1 upset at Ascot in the Coventry Stakes last summer.

“Nando Parrado is very much an intended runner in the Jersey, over seven,” he said.

“He didn’t stretch out over the mile. But we’ve campaigned him on soft ground on numerous occasions, and I’m looking forward to running him back at Ascot – which definitely brought out his best performance in Group Two two-year-old winning form.”

Get Ahead is one of several exciting juveniles Cox is looking forward to running.

He has the Queen Mary Stakes in mind for the Showcasing filly, who won her only start so far at the Berkshire track last month.

“We’re hopefully going to be well represented in most of the two-year-old races, as long as they are healthy and well,” said Cox.

“We have a very nice filly in the Queen Mary in Get Ahead. We have Caturra in the Coventry; Instinctive Move will look towards the Norfolk, and Crazyland will run in either the Albany or the Queen Mary.”

Tis Marvellous is on target to appear at the meeting for the fifth year running.

The sprinter heads for the Wokingham Stakes, in which he was second in 2019 and fourth in 2018. The Harbour Watch gelding was fourth in last year’s King’s Stand Stakes, and sixth in the Commonwealth Cup in 2017.

“We’ll have Tis Marvellous, who loves Royal Ascot, in the Wokingham,” said Cox, who also intends running Streamline.

“He was a Group Three-winner at two and missed last year because of injury. He’s another potentially exciting prospect back in handicap company.

“Dance Fever is in the Buckingham Palace, and we might have a few more in the handicaps. It depends how the weights look.”

Cox ‘elated’ after Kirby secures deserved Derby triumph

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Clive Cox is full of pride after his stable jockey Adam Kirby pulled off a brilliant triumph on Adayar in the Cazoo Derby at Epsom.

Kirby joined Lambourn trainer Cox as a 15-year-old in 2005, and the pair have since enjoyed tremendous success – including at the top table with Lethal Force, Profitable, Harry’s Angel and Golden Horde.

Cox was thrilled to see Kirby etch his name on the roll of honour in Britain’s biggest Flat race on Saturday – on the Godolphin-owned colt for trainer Charlie Appleby.

“I’m absolutely over the moon for him. It was spectacular,” he said.

Trainer Clive Cox hailed Adam Kirby's 'very well-deserved' Derby success
Trainer Clive Cox hailed Adam Kirby’s ‘very well-deserved’ Derby success (John Walton/PA)

“We’ve had some amazing days, but it is very special to see him win a Derby – the pinnacle of the racing scene. It’s such a wonderful achievement.

“We go back a long way, and I’m absolutely elated by watching him yesterday.

“It’s well-deserved, and on top of everything else he’s a really nice fella. I was very proud of what he did.”

Kirby himself was on Sunday trying to come to terms with his amazing success on Adayar.

Still replying to countless messages and missed calls, the 32-year-old plans a couple of days off to fully take in what has been a rollercoaster week.

From looking forward to the ride on John Leeper, then losing out to Frankie Dettori only to be given a second chance to be aboard Adayar for Charlie Appleby at the expense of champion jockey Oisin Murphy and then to win the premier Classic, is quite a story.

“It’s unbelievable. A great day,” Kirby told Sky Sports Racing.

“It’s something I’ll never forget. I’m a bit stuck for words – it’s only just kicking in, but it’s fantastic.

“The Derby is the ultimate test. It’s still sinking in. It was a great feeling. It’s something no one can take away from me. I’m really pleased.”

Adam Kirby (right) receiving his trophy after his Derby victory on Adayar
Adam Kirby (right) receiving his trophy after his Derby victory on Adayar (John Walton/PA)

Kirby savoured the moment, because he does not expect to ride Adayar again – with William Buick, who rode Hurricane Lane into third place, and James Doyle, sixth on One Ruler, as Appleby’s two main jockeys.

“We all know William Buick is stable jockey, and James Doyle is the second, so good look to the boys,” he said.

“I doubt I will ever come across him again, because the boys will have him back. That’s their job.

“I’d like to say what two great lads they are. They were the first to greet me and congratulate me – two top jockeys and two top blokes as well.

“I’m still trying to reply to messages and get back to missed calls. I will get back to everybody – it’s been a manic few hours.”

River Nymph swoops late for Victoria Cup glory

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River Nymph came with a wet sail to lift the tote+ Victoria Cup at Ascot for Clive Cox and Adam Kirby.

The duo are no strangers to success at the Berkshire track, and landed the £75,000 pot with the unexposed four-year-old by half a length from 80-1 outsider Eagleway.

River Nymph had looked to have a big future last season when winning consecutive races at Ascot and Newbury, both over seven furlongs.

However, stepped up to a mile for the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day and the Lincoln at Doncaster on his seasonal return, River Nymph finished nearer last than first on both occasions.

Back over the specialist trip of seven furlongs, Kirby was able to save his mount for a late flourish deep inside the final furlong.

It was a typical big-field Ascot handicap with a furlong to run, with as many as 10 in a line across the track.

Eagleway could be spotted with his bright blinkers, with the favourite Acquitted, top weight Motakhayyel and Zip all to the fore.

River Nymph appeared to have plenty to do at that stage, but under a strong Kirby drive, the 11-1 chance hit top gear and won going away. Escobar was third with Zip fourth.

The winner is now likely to be stepped up in class.

Cox said: “It looks like he’s a seven-furlong specialist and he loves it here at Ascot.

“It was a very competitive renewal and I’m over the moon as he was 11lb higher than when he won here last season, so I’m very happy.

“I think he’ll be handicapped out of races like the Balmoral now, but to get that win means a lot.

“Quite possibly it will be a Listed race next. He doesn’t like the ground too firm, but he’s the sort of horse who has a change of gear, so is the type to handle a step up in class.

“He could be one to take to France, those races could suit. We’ll just play the cards accordingly.”

Albaflora powers clear to win impressively
Albaflora powers clear to win impressively (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

Albaflora ran out a hugely-impressive winner of the tote+ Pays More At tote.co.uk Buckhounds Stakes.

Ralph Beckett’s filly hinted there could be more to come from her this season when pushing St Leger runner-up Berkshire Rocco close at the end of last term.

Settled in mid-division by Rossa Ryan, the 4-1 favourite could be spotted travelling ominously well as the field, headed by Without A Fight, turned into the straight.

Ryan just needed to manoeuvre his mount into the clear to enable a smooth passage, but once she saw daylight she quickened away impressively.

Running in the famous Kirsten Rausing colours, she fairly powered away from a decent field with Tribal Craft, the 50-1 outsider, emerging from out of the pack to finish second – albeit seven lengths adrift.

Beckett said: “I thought she’d win, but I wasn’t expecting that.

“We had a frustrating year last year and I left Ascot frustrated after the Noel Murless as I thought she should have won that day.

“She’s in the Hardwicke, which indicates what we felt about her. She could go to the Pinnacle (at Haydock) at the end of this month, but I’ll work it out.

“She’s done very well over the winter and Alyssa (half-sister) did better with age. Given how she’d done over the winter, it was no surprise she won. How good she’ll be, we’ll find out.”

Ryan then doubled up on David Loughnane’s newcomer Go Bears Go (6-1), who made just about every yard of the running against the rail in the tote+ Placepots Pay More Novice Stakes.

The two main market protagonists fought out the finish to the tote+ Exclusively At tote.co.uk British EBF Fillies’ Handicap, with top weight Lights On (3-1) just edging out Dreamloper.

Supremacy provides ‘less than perfect’ blood test result

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An unsatisfactory blood test has provided an explanation for Supremacy’s lacklustre performance in the Pavilion Stakes at Ascot.

The three-year-old was sent off 10-11 favourite for last week’s six-furlong contest, a recognised trial for the Group One Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot next month.

Supremacy already has winning top-level form – having completed a hat-trick of victories last season in Newmarket’s Middle Park Stakes – but his return this year was a disappointing one as he finished last of eight.

The outcome of a blood test has since shed some light on the uncharacteristically poor run.

Trainer Clive Cox said: “We have had a less than perfect blood result from him.

“We’re leaving no stone unturned in the hope of rectifying the situation, which was far below expectations.

“We’ve had many tests – and without having a complete conclusion yet, we’re hoping we can get him back on the right track.”

Supremacy was in fine shape in preparation for the race, allowing a helpful comparison between test results before and after his poor performance.

Cox added: “He’s a horse of such a high standard – undoubtedly we wouldn’t have been there if we hadn’t been happy with him.

“Although he’s got such a laid-back temperament and way about him, it’s a just a relief.

“It’s flagged up less than perfect, which wasn’t the case before.

“We’ve got a bit of time to decide what’s next, and hopefully that will become clear over the couple of weeks.”

Supremacy aiming to advertise Commonwealth Cup claims at Ascot

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Supremacy will try to boost his already strong claims for the Commonwealth Cup when he makes his seasonal reappearance in the Qipco British Champions Series horseracinghof.com Pavilion Stakes at Ascot.

The Clive Cox-trained colt had a tremendous juvenile campaign, winning the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. He has to carry a 4lb penalty on Wednesday, for the latter success.

Supremacy was beaten on his racecourse debut last season, and Cox is pleased to be able to run him before next month’s Group One at the Royal meeting, for which he is ante-post favourite at around 9-2.

“I’m delighted that it’s this year and not last, with the chance to have a prep and not go to Ascot first time out,” said the Lambourn trainer.

“He’s done really well, but this is very much his first step back, and he comes to himself when it gets a bit warmer – so while I’m pleased we’re back in action, it is very much his first step of the year.

“He’s a wonderful horse and he’s got such an amazing temperament for a sprinter, which is why I’m really pleased we’ve got a chance to have a trial race in the build-up to Royal Ascot. That is where we’re looking for him to come to the boil 100 per cent.

“I really don’t know if we’ll run him again before Ascot. I’m very happy we’ve got a chance to run on some quick ground. A lot of these horses have been running through the winter and have had recent runs.

“This is his first step back with a penalty. I’m looking forward to getting him back on track.”

Method makes his seasonal bow for Martyn Meade
Method misses out for Martyn Meade (Francesca Altoft/PA)

Apollo One, Mighty Gurkha and Saint Lawrence are among those taking on Supremacy – but Method will disappointingly miss the race.

Trainer Martyn Meade had been looking forward to the seasonal reappearance of his dual winner, but has ruled him out following unsatisfactory blood test results. He is now set to go for the Sandy Lane Stakes at

“I’m really disappointed because we aimed for this race as the start of his campaign,” Meade told Sky Sports Racing.

“I think he’s such a good horse, we can’t risk him I’m afraid. It’s nothing serious – I’ve erred on the side of caution.

“I think we’re going to go for the Sandy Lane at Haydock, which is not until May 22. The Commonwealth Cup is what we’re focusing on, and I think the Sandy Lane would be an ideal prep race for him going into Ascot on June 18.”

Haqeeqy impressed with his Lincoln victory
Haqeeqy impressed with his Lincoln victory (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

Haqeeqy steps up to Listed company for the Charlie Waller Trust Paradise Stakes, after winning the Lincoln Handicap in eyecatching fashion on only his sixth career start.

The four-year-old, by Lope De Vega, produced a decisive turn of foot to win going away by a length and a half at Doncaster last month.

Trainer John Gosden feels this is the right opportunity for Haqeeqy on the back of that victory.

“He did it well. He finished off that race very strongly, and that’s an obvious step to go to a Listed from a race like that,” he said.

Sir Busker (white cap) claimed last year's Silver Royal Hunt Cup
Sir Busker (white cap) claimed last year’s Silver Royal Hunt Cup (Megan Ridgwell/PA)

Sir Busker won the Silver Hunt Cup over the course and distance at the Royal meeting, and also covered himself in glory in two attempts in Group company.

Runner-up in the Celebration Mile, the William Knight-trained gelding was fourth to The Revenant in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in October.

Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing him run back. William is really pleased. He’s grown and has strengthened up even more during the winter.

“I’m sure he’ll come on for the run a little bit, but I’m hoping he’ll be bang there.

“It was a great performance in the QEII, and if he hadn’t have hung all the way across the track he may well have beaten Palace Pier for third.

“That was obviously very different ground to what it will be on Wednesday, but hopefully he’ll run a big race again.

“Ascot suits him perfectly. He likes to be ridden patiently. We won’t see him until late, hopefully.”

Marie’s Diamond, trained by Mark Johnston, won this race last year when it was staged at Newmarket in June because of the pandemic.

Richard Hannon is double-handed with Oh This Is Us and Qaysar, while Paul and Oliver Cole run their two-time Group-race scorer Duke Of Hazzard.

Parrado in good shape for informative-looking Greenham

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Nando Parrado is one of several colts on trial for next month’s Qipco 2000 Guineas in what looks a high-class renewal of the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

Clive Cox’s charge produced one of the biggest shocks in Royal Ascot history when landing last season’s Coventry Stakes at 150-1.

The son of Kodiac went on to prove that performance was no fluke, however – filling the runner-up spot behind star American filly Campanelle in the Prix Morny before again finding only one too strong when stepped up to seven furlongs for the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

Cox reports Nando Parrado in rude health ahead of his reappearance, saying: “He’s pleased me very much and has been working nicely.

“He was a solid Group Two winner in the Coventry and ran some great races in defeat after that at Group One level.

“It was very, very testing ground in Paris for the Lagardere, so it was a bit (inconclusive regarding trip).

“We’ve got confidence in him over seven (furlongs) and I still think a mile is well within his compass.”

The likely favourite is the the Richard Hannon-trained Chindit, who looked every inch a top-class colt in the making when winning his first three juvenile starts – completing his hat-trick in the Group Two Champagne Stakes.

He returns with perhaps a little to prove after failing to fire on his most recent outing in the Dewhurst at Newmarket.

Chindit (left) winning the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster
Chindit (left) winning the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

“On that day (of the Dewhurst), the times said it was riding like it was heavy ground and both Chindit and Etonian were wheel-spinning the whole way,” Hannon said.

“Chindit travelled into it very well, like he normally does, and didn’t pick up at all. I’m more than happy to forgive that run.”

While Hannon is confident Chindit will enjoy a profitable campaign, he admits he does have reservations about whether he will stay the Guineas trip of a mile.

He told Sky Sports Racing: “He’s got a lot more speed that people think. To me, last year it looked like he wanted all of that seven furlongs when he won the Champagne Stakes and was crying out for a mile.

“I hope that’s the case, but the nice thing with a three-year-old now is if you don’t get the Guineas trip, you can come back to Royal Ascot for six furlongs (in the Commonwealth Cup).”

Alkumait is one of two runners for the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum
Alkumait is one of two runners for the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum (Dan Abraham/PA)

Having struck gold with the brilliant Mohaather in the 2019 renewal, Marcus Tregoning bids for another victory with Alkumait.

Winner of the Mill Reef Stakes at this venue in September, the son of Showcasing is another bidding to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the Dewhurst.

Alkumait is one of two horses carrying the colours of the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum along with the Charlie Hills-trained Mujbar, who won the Horris Hill over the course and distance when last seen.

Interestingly, the owner’s retained rider Jim Crowley has sided with the latter, with Dane O’Neill partnering Alkumait.

“Jim very much had the choice,” said Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold.

“Sunday will tell us a lot more, but the Hills camp have always hoped Mujbar was going to make into a Guineas horse.

“He obviously won a Group race as a two-year-old, as did Alkumait, but everything about Alkumait that I have seen suggests he’s more of a sprinter – and I know Jim feels the same.

“Marcus wants to see whether he would stay seven furlongs. We’ll be trying to get him to settle and finish it off, so we learn whether he does stay. He didn’t stay in the Dewhurst last year, but that might not have been just down to stamina.

“I think Jim is looking to the future and we’re thinking that if Mujbar has come on, he could be a Guineas horse, whereas I would be pleasantly surprised if Alkumait made a Guineas horse.

“We could all be wrong and I’d be delighted to be proven wrong, but at this stage I see Alkumait as more of a Commonwealth Cup type.”

Fundamental in winning action at Chelmsford
Fundamental in winning action at Chelmsford (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

Frankie Dettori partners dual Chelmsford scorer Fundamental for John and Thady Gosden.

John Gosden said: “He won well the other day at Chelmsford and seven furlongs might be his trip.

“I think it looks a really good trial. In fact I think they have all been good trials this week – the Craven and Nell Gwyn, which looked very nice, and this looks a strong Greenham.

“That is what we want, nice horses around.”

Diligent Harry hunting All-Weather Championships crown

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Diligent Harry bids to make amends for a narrow defeat over the course and distance when he returns to Lingfield for the Ladbrokes 3 Year Old All-Weather Championships Conditions Stakes on Friday.

A slow start put the Clive Cox-trained colt on the back foot and the race did not go to plan after that. Despite finishing strongly, Diligent Harry could not quite peg back Rohaan and was beaten a short head.

He had been up with the pace when winning his only two previous starts at Wolverhampton and Kempton. The latter race was over the minimum trip, but Cox believes six furlongs is his optimum at present.

“He’s got a lot of potential and he’s still very much learning his job, but because of that he’s entitled to find more progress, I think,” said the Lambourn trainer.

“He’s very quick, we did drop him back to five furlongs for his second outing, but that was more because the opportunity arose than being a necessity.

“I think six furlongs is where we want to be with him at the moment.”

Victory Heights staked his claim with victory at Wolverhampton when four of these rivals – Mighty Gurkha, Yazaman, Zamaani and Bakersboy – finished directly behind him in second to fifth places respectively.

Trainer James Tate is hoping the son of Siyouni can overcome a wide draw.

Victory Heights has a wide draw to overcome
Victory Heights has a wide draw to overcome (Tony Knapton/PA)

“We love Victory Heights, he’s as game as a pebble. I thought he was really tough and put in a good performance when he beat some of these horses at Wolverhampton back in December,” said the Newmarket handler.

“This has been the plan ever since. It looks like a very competitive, tight little contest and we haven’t go the best of draws (in stall 10). I’m sure him and Luke Morris will be giving it their best shot anyway.”

William Haggas reports Yazaman to be in fine form.

“Yazaman is in good shape and will have the blinkers back on for this,” said the Newmarket handler.

“He was drawn widest of all last time and we took the view that we would drop him out. He ran OK, but never really got into the race.”

Ranch Hand would prefer a decent gallop in the Marathon
Ranch Hand would prefer a decent gallop in the Marathon (Richard Sellers/PA)

Andrew Balding is praying there is a strong gallop for Ranch Hand in the Betway All-Weather Marathon Championships Conditions Stakes.

“He wouldn’t want it to be a tactical race with an injection of speed off the final bend,” Balding told Sky Sports Racing.

“James Doyle is riding him and he’ll be given a free rein to ride him as he sees fit. I’m sure he’ll get it right.”

Just seven runners will line-up for this two-mile test with Alan King’s Rainbow Dreamer and Amityaz from the in-form team of John and Thady Gosden among the leading fancies.

Tim Easterby feels Lampang will be adaptable whatever the pace in the Betway All-Weather Sprint Championships Conditions Stakes.

“He’s a very straight forward horse. He can go up there or drop in. It doesn’t matter. It depends how the race goes,” said the North Yorkshire handler.

“You’ve got to have a jockey who rides the track well. That’s the main thing at Lingfield. Silvestre (de Sousa) rides it well, so things should be good.

“It’s a pretty competitive race. You can give a lot of horses a chance.”

Ado McGuinness’s Irish raider Harry’s Bar will have plenty of supporters, while others with chances in the 12-strong field include Summerghand, Highland Dress, Venturous and Lord Riddiford.

Richard Hannon has no qualms about putting Mums Tipple back up in trip for the the Bombardier All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes.

The gelding flopped when tried over a mile in the 2000 Guineas last season, but he did not show his best form at all in 2020. However, he bounced back with victory over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton recently.

“Mums Tipple is in great form. I was very pleased with his last run – it was a smart performance – and he looks like he is going the right way,” said Hannon.

“Finals Day will be the first time he has run over a mile since the Guineas. I am hoping it won’t be an issue as he got the seven furlongs really well at Wolverhampton.”

Of the opposition, Silver Quartz represents French trainer Francis Graffard after scoring at Chantilly four weeks ago, with compatriot Canagat joining him on the trip.

Among others in the mix are Roger Varian’s Khuzaam and Documenting from Kevin Frost’s stable.

Tate feels Shimmering Dawn’s track record will stand her in good stead for the Ladbrokes All-Weather Fillies’ And Mares’ Championships Conditions Stakes.

The mare won over this seven furlongs in December to give the Newmarket trainer hope of a bold show.

“Shimmering Dawn has been a great servant to us over the winter, she loves the all-weather and she’s a course-and-distance winner,” he said.

“It looks like we’ve got (John and Thady) Gosden’s to beat (Indie Angel) and David Loughnane’s (Fizzy Feet) as well, although maybe that one wants a little bit less of a trip.

“She’s pretty tactically able to do whatever, it’s a small field and we’ve got a good jockey on board.

“We’ll give it a good go, there’s plenty of money on offer.”

Fizzy Feet (right) represents Dave Lowe
Fizzy Feet (right) represents Dave Lowe (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

Fizzy Feet’s owner Dave Lowe thinks his runner has every chance of seeing out the longer trip.

He said: “David (Loughnane) is pretty confident that Fizzy Feet will stay seven furlongs.

“He doesn’t feel she has been stopping in her races and, if you are going to get seven furlongs anywhere, it will be Lingfield.

“Indie Angel is the horse to beat, but I am confident of a big run from Fizzy Feet as I think she could get an easy lead.

“If she can steal a march on the field, hopefully they will find it difficult to peg her back.”

Cox hopes Supremacy can take high rank

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Middle Park winner Supremacy is to spearhead an exciting crop of three-year-olds for Clive Cox this season.

Also an impressive winner of the Richmond Stakes last season, the Mehmas colt will be kept to sprinting trips – with the Commonwealth Cup his first major target as Cox contemplates the Pavilion Stakes at Ascot and the Sandy Lane at Haydock as starting points.

With Qipco 2000 Guineas candidate Nando Parrado and 1000 Guineas contender Isabella Giles also in the yard, Cox can not wait for the season to click into gear.

“I’m very pleased with all three of them,” he said.

“Supremacy will stay at six furlongs, so we’re looking at the Pavilion, the normal sprinting route – with possibly the Sandy Lane en route to Royal Ascot and the Commonwealth.

“He’s wintered really well and looks very strong. I’m very pleased with him indeed.”

Of his Coventry Stakes winner, he said: “Nando has done very well after a good season last year, winning at Royal Ascot and then positive Group One performances in the Morny and the Lagardere.

Nando Parrado caused a 150-1 upset at Royal Ascot
Nando Parrado caused a 150-1 upset at Royal Ascot (Megan Ridgwell/PA)

“We’ll be looking at one of the trials for him – but I very much intend to run him in the Guineas, all being well.

“He does handle soft ground but won at Ascot on a quicker surface. I’m pleased with how he has done physically.

“He was a very able two-year-old who has done well over the winter so I see no reason why he can’t maintain that performance at the top level at three.”

Isabella Giles won the Rockfel Stakes by two lengths but disappointed on her final outing of the campaign. She will also be aimed at a Guineas trial.

Isabella Giles was impressive in the Rockfel Stakes
Isabella Giles was impressive in the Rockfel Stakes (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

“The filly has done very well too – she’s done some nice work and is making good progress,” said Cox.

“I think she had a busy enough time in the autumn, and we probably ran her once too many by the time of the Fillies’ Mile, and she’d just gone off the boil.

“I would be very pleased with her now. She’s a Group Two winner at two, and her work is pleasing me at the moment to suggest we can look forward to what she does at three.

“It’s really nice to have the conversations we’re having at this stage, and we’re looking forward to more of them hopefully as the season progresses.”

Golden Horde retired as injury curtails racing career

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Commonwealth Cup winner Golden Horde has been retired because of injury.

Trained by Clive Cox, the three-year-old followed up his Royal Ascot success with placed efforts in the July Cup and Haydock Sprint Cup – as well as being beaten little over a length in the Prix Maurice de Gheest.

He was also a Group Two-winning juvenile in the Richmond Stakes, and finished second in the Middle Park at Newmarket.

“He suffered a tendon issue that proved to be longer term than first realised, so rather than miss a complete season it was with reluctance that it was decided to retire him to stud,” said Cox, in a statement to the PA news agency.

“He was the best horse owned so far by HH Sheikh Sultan Al Deen bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, who has been deeply involved with all decisions regarding what is best for the horse.

“We had hoped to finish this season on a high in the Champions Sprint at Ascot last Saturday, but it wasn’t possible.”

Cox had high hopes with him for next year too, until injury intervened.

He added: “It was a premature close to his racing career, and everyone was looking forward to his four-year-old season.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to train some top-class sprinters, most recently Harry Angel, but Golden Horde had all the physical attributes to maintain his progress – plus a wonderful temperament.

“He danced every dance, no matter what the course or ground, and was a model of consistency at the highest level.

“We will all miss having him around, and I hope he will be of interest for the next chapter in his life but greatly look forward to handling his progeny.”

A decision on where he will stand at stud has still to be made.

Cox retains full faith in Nando Parrado

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Clive Cox remains optimistic Nando Parrado can develop into 2000 Guineas contender next spring, despite his defeat in Paris on Sunday.

A shock 150-1 winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, the Kodiac colt went on to prove that effort was no fluke when runner-up to American challenger Campanelle in the Prix Morny at Deauville.

Nando Parrado was an odds-on favourite to claim Group One honours as he stepped up to seven furlongs for last weekend’s Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, but was beaten eight lengths into second place by Sealiway, in a race run in very testing ground.

Nando Parrado shot to prominence at Royal Ascot
Nando Parrado shot to prominence at Royal Ascot (Megan Ridgwell/PA)

Cox said: “Nando has come back from France well.

“It was very extreme conditions that we ran in. The winner obviously relished it and it was softer than we’d ever encountered before, but he’s come back fine and we still know we’ve got a proper horse to look forward to next year.

“We’ll put him away now and I very much hope that (2000 Guineas) will be the target.

“It was his first try over seven furlongs the other day and it was a little bit inconclusive with underfoot conditions as bad as they were and I’m sure he’ll stay a bit further next year.”

The Lambourn handler has enjoyed another excellent season with his two-year-olds, with the star of the show being Supremacy following his top-level win in last month’s Middle Park Stakes.

Cox added: “Supremacy has finished for the season, but we couldn’t be more pleased with his efforts and results this year.

“He’s put in some seriously top-class performances and it was great for him to sign off with a Group One.”

Isabella Giles may return to Newmarket for Fillies’ Mile

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Rockfel Stakes winner Isabella Giles is among 16 two-year-old fillies left in at the confirmation stage for the Group One bet365 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket.

Clive Cox’s talented youngster took the Group Two Rockfel in good style by two lengths from Nazuna, following a seven-length romp in the Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood on her first try at seven furlongs.

John Gosden has left in Indigo Girl, who took her unbeaten record to two with an emphatic victory in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. The Newmarket trainer also has Newmarket novice scorer Monsoon Moon in the mix on Friday.

Shale, winner of the Moyglare Stud Stakes, has stood her ground. Donnacha O’Brien’s charge has won two of her three meetings with his brother Joseph’s Pretty Gorgeous. She also remains but is declared for the Prix Marcel Boussac at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.

Their father Aidan has Divinely, High Heels, Monday, Mother Earth, Santa Barbara and Snowfall.

David Loughnane has supplemented Tranchee in the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards Challenge Stakes, for which there were 16 acceptors following the confirmation stage.

The four-year-old gelding would be taking a hike up in grade, after winning a handicap at Doncaster on his latest start.

Limato could bid to win the Group Two for a third time after being successful in 2017 and 2018. Henry Candy’s evergreen eight-year-old was runner-up 12months ago.

Other possibles include D’bai, Duke Of Hazzard, Glorious Journey, Molatham, Foxtrot Lady and Daahyeh.

Nando expected to relish Parisian mud

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Clive Cox reports Nando Parrado in fine form as he heads to the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp.

The Kodiac colt was a shock 150-1 winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, and his Lambourn trainer is full of hope for a big run with the ground in his favour on Sunday.

“I’m very pleased, because he is in excellent form, and it gives me confidence knowing that he will handle the conditions – that is a great plus, given the weather forecast,” said Cox.

“He has enjoyed a tremendous season already, with winning the Coventry and being second in the Morny. This a race that we are pleased to be stepping up to seven furlongs in.”

Mick Channon’s Cairn Gorm, who was eighth in the Morny, is the other British raider in a six-strong field.

“I was very pleased with him in the Morny, because it was very testing ground,” said Channon.

“He ran a nice race, but was clearly doing his best work in the closing stages – which is why we are stepping up to the seven on Sunday.

“I think his pedigree would suggest this will bring more out of him, especially on the dam’s side. He has had a good time between his races.“

Fev Rover carries plenty of confidence in the Prix Marcel Boussac.

A Group Two winner at Deauville on her latest start, the Richard Fahey-trained filly is owned by Nick Bradley Racing 43 And Partner.

Bradley said: “She’s in serious form at home.

“I spoke to Richard (Fahey) on Friday morning, and she’s a lot more professional than when Ben (Curtis) last rode her at Sandown.

“We are drawn eight – which looks a good draw, bearing in mind (likely favourite) Pretty Gorgeous is drawn 14.”

Jean-Claude Rouget admits being surprised by Tawkeel, who bids to take her perfect record to six out of six in the Prix de l’Opera.

“She doesn’t share that characteristic that has bedevilled other members of the same family that I’ve trained, in the sense that they’ve made flying starts to their career – which they haven’t backed up,” he said.

“She, on the contrary, has done nothing but progress – and each time, she has astonished me. In the Opera, we will be seeking to maintain her unbeaten record.”

James Fanshawe’s Audarya caused an upset in the Group One Prix Jean Romanet on soft ground, but her trainer cannot be sure she will handle conditions at the weekend.

“It was very holding ground when she won the Romanet at Deauville,” said Fanshawe.

“I don’t think anyone can really judge how a horse is going to go on this ground until they get on it, though – because heavy ground at different courses always varies.

“She’s in good form. She obviously goes well on soft ground – whether she goes on what it will be, we’ll see on Sunday.”

John Quinn has no concerns about the ground for Safe Voyage in the Prix de la Foret.

The seven-year-old is the oldest horse in the field, but arrives in Paris on the back of winning a pair of Group Two contests.

“He is in great form,” said Quinn.

“Jason (Hart) knows him and rides him very well, so we are hoping he’ll run well and hope he can win.

“Soft ground is fine for him.”

Safe Voyage was fourth 12 months ago to the William Haggas-trained One Master, who goes for a third win in the race, while Andre Fabre’s Earthlight is among the strong opposition.

Nando Parrado all set for Lagardere

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Clive Cox will aim to continue an excellent season with his juveniles when Nando Parrado runs in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp.

Cox had been considering a run in the Dewhurst with the shock Coventry Stakes winner, but the prospect of soft ground in Paris on Sunday has helped to make the decision for him.

As well as the Coventry Stakes, Cox has won the Middle Park and Richmond with Supremacy this season and the Rockfel with Isabella Giles.

“With the (wet) forecast, he’s actually going to travel to France on Sunday for the Lagardere,” Cox told Sky Sports Racing.

“He did a really good job winning the Coventry, and at that stage we were intent on looking further with him, and he then finished second in the Morny.

“The prospect of easy ground has lured us that way – and I’m very much looking forward to it, because he’s in excellent form.”

Cox was encouraged by Nando Parrado’s performance at Deauville last month.

“He was drawn next to a filly (Campanelle, the winner) in the Morny and was in the stalls a long time,” he added.

“Christophe Soumillon rode him and wanted to keep on the rail – quite rightly, he’s a world-class jockey and knew where he wanted to go – (and) it was a very pleasing run.

“The extra furlong will be really interesting, and I’m convinced it will be well up his street. We think and awful lot of him. He’s got a lot of class.

“We’ve got an amazing group of two-year-olds, one to dream about. I was very concerned at the beginning of the season when we weren’t sure when we’d resume – so I’m so pleased it’s all worked out.”