Top juvenile sprinter Orthodox is on course for the Group One Prix Morny in France, following a brief setback earlier this summer. Trained by Clive Cox and owned by Jason Goddard, the colt impressed with a commanding three-and-a-half length victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Cox had originally planned for Orthodox to contest the Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly on July 19, marking his first race on the continent, but the trip was cancelled due to an unsatisfactory scope examination.

Despite this interruption, Cox reports that Orthodox is now in good health and progressing well toward the Prix Morny, scheduled for August 23. "Orthodox didn’t miss much work thankfully," Cox said, noting the horse is preparing normally for the upcoming challenge. Cox, who previously won the Prix Morny in 2012 with Reckless Abandon alongside jockey Gerald Mosse, praised Orthodox’s performance at Ascot, highlighting the colt’s near-record time and high potential.

Orthodox will face the Prix Morny at an increased distance of six furlongs, a step up from his previous races. Cox expressed confidence that the colt’s stamina will not be an issue, citing his strong finish at Ascot as evidence.

The British challenge in the Prix Morny will be bolstered by Duchess of Cambridge Stakes winner Senorita Bonita, who is trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, co-handlers of 2023 Morny winner Vandeek. Ed Crisford commented that if Senorita Bonita improves on her recent Group Two victory, she could be a strong contender in the race.

Recent British-trained winners of the Prix Morny include Perfect Power in 2021, Vandeek in 2023, and Venetian Sun in 2025, underscoring the strength of the British juvenile sprinting contingent in this prestigious French event. The upcoming race presents an opportunity for Orthodox to join this list and further establish himself among the sport’s leading two-year-olds.