Nando to head for Prix Morny

Keith Hamer
June 24, 2020 6:30 pm

Cox lines up French trip for his shock Coventry winner.

Nando Parrado is to be given the chance in Group One company after causing the biggest shock in Royal Ascot history.

Trainer Clive Cox has the Prix Morny at Deauville in mind for the Kodiac colt, who stunned punters and bookmakers alike as he took the Coventry Stakes as a complete outsider at 150-1 in a field of 15.

“I think he’ll probably go for the Prix Morny,” said Cox.

“We’re looking towards that. That would be our plans and thoughts at this stage.

“It would be a logical step from here.”

The Lambourn trainer was not surprised by Nando Parrado’s improvement from his debut at Newmarket, where he could not handler the undulations.

“He’s a horse we’ve liked enormously,” he said.

“When we got back racing to begin with, the BHA gave us slots that we could achieve a free passage with our intended Ascot runners. His price, 150-1, was the surprise.

“The Newmarket maidens that took place to begin with, as you would expect, were jam packed with horses trainers had that intention with.

“The track at Newmarket did not suit him. It was one of those factors that can happen, and did happen there, but he clearly came back and took a step forward as well.”

Cox is also set to send Get It to France for the Group Three Prix du Bois at ParisLongchamp on July 2 after his good effort at Royal Ascot.

The Twilight Son colt stuck on well when fourth to The Queen’s Tactical in the Windsor Castle and is set to stay at five furlongs for this race.

“He ran super at Ascot. He’s got an entry in the Prix du Bois,” said Cox.

“He’s come back super, as have all the horses.”