Trainer Clive Cox remains optimistic about the prospects of his colt Orthodox as they prepare for Saturday’s Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. Cox, who has a strong track record in the race with two winners from his last six starters, is confident Orthodox can rebound following a disappointing performance in the Prix Morny at Deauville.

Orthodox, a high-class juvenile, encountered unfavorable ground conditions in France that Cox believes compromised the colt’s natural speed. “The ground was his undoing at Deauville, it blunted his speed, so we are just putting a line through it,” Cox said. He expressed satisfaction with Orthodox’s progress since then, noting strong training sessions and a favorable weather forecast ahead of the upcoming race.

Earlier this season, Orthodox demonstrated his ability with a victory in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, a performance that illuminated his potential and class. Cox highlighted that the colt has continued to develop since that win and signaled enthusiasm for Orthodox’s future in racing.

Cox also pointed to recent disappointments among other colts, referencing Golden Horde and Coppull, who were considered unlucky in their Group 1 outings. However, he emphasized that sending horses to the Middle Park Stakes is never a mere exercise, but a serious campaign to achieve top results at the Rowley Mile.

With conditions expected to suit Orthodox better this time, Cox and his team are hopeful that the colt can recapture the form that saw him shine earlier in the season. The Middle Park Stakes, a prestigious race for two-year-olds, often serves as a key indicator for promising juveniles moving forward, making this Saturday’s meeting an important milestone in Orthodox’s career.