Golden Horde primed for ‘proper Group One’ in July Cup

Cox has great respect for opposition in Newmarket showpiece.

Clive Cox believes Golden Horde will be lining up in “a proper Group One” for the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.

The three-year-old will clash with older horses for the first time in Saturday’s six-furlong feature, after making a victorious return to action in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last month.

That was a first top-level success for the Lethal Force colt, who landed the Richmond Stakes last year as well as finishing placed in both the Prix Morny and Middle Park, but Cox is aware his charge is going up a notch at Newmarket, with Diamond Jubilee winner Hello Youmzain heading the possible opposition.

Hello Youmzain (right) got the best of a tight finish at Ascot
Hello Youmzain (right) got the best of a tight finish at Ascot (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

He said: “He’s in great form, he came back from Ascot very well indeed. The timescale between that run and here is perfect – obviously that was his seasonal debut, and I couldn’t be happier, he’s come back and thrived since then.

“I think it’s a proper Group One, there’s a host of horses I would be respecting.

“Obviously Hello Youmzain from the Jubilee, and there’s a local horse in Lambourn, Oxted, that I would give a lot of respect to as well – Roger Teal’s horses are running especially well.

“Judicial was very good at Newcastle the other day after a good second at Newmarket previously, and then of course there’s Threat, who was a horse we beat in the Richmond last year, but is a very good horse who has been exploring slightly longer distances and steps back.

“This was always Plan A, and thankfully things went very well at Ascot – to win the Commonwealth Cup was very special, especially for Sheikh Sultan who has been a wonderful supporter. We go forward here with a run under our belt now, so hopefully he will continue to thrive.”

Golden Horde (right) only narrowly lost out to Earthlight in last year's Middle Park Stakes
Golden Horde (right) only narrowly lost out to Earthlight in last year’s Middle Park Stakes (Nigel French/PA)

The ground at Newmarket is currently reported to be good, with further rain a possibility ahead of the race, which is part of the 2020 Qipco British Champions Series.

Cox thinks Golden Horde is adaptable in terms of conditions, adding: “He ran on some very testing ground in France, at Deauville in the Morny.

“I think nice ground would be in his favour, but he’s proven he’s able to cope with a little bit of ease as well.

“His sire Lethal Force was very much happier on quicker ground, and I’d be hoping we don’t get too much rain if I’m honest, but I’m very much relaxed because he’s as versatile as possible.”

Lethal Force won the July Cup for Cox in 2013
Lethal Force won the July Cup for Cox in 2013 (Steve Parsons/PA)

Golden Horde will be trying to give Cox a third win in the race following the successes of the aforementioned Lethal Force in 2013 and Harry Angel three years ago.

As a son of his former stable star, Golden Horde has a special place in Cox’s affections.

He said: “It means a lot – we enjoyed a wonderful time with Lethal Force who still holds the course record for this race, which is pretty spectacular when you think of all the good horses that have won and competed in the July Cup over the years. We enjoyed a very special journey with the Craddock family (owners).”

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Clive Cox July Cup

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