Prix Morny looms for Nando Parrado

Coventry winner has several options en route to Deauville Group One.

Clive Cox is considering a clutch of options for his shock Royal Ascot winner Nando Parrado.

The Kodiac colt stepped up on his debut fifth at Newmarket to spring a 150-1 surprise in the Coventry Stakes, and Cox has the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville on August 23 as his primary target.

Nando Parrado has a choice of possible races before then, though, with his Lambourn trainer expecting plans to be firmed up in the coming days.

Cox said: “We’ll make a little bit more of a decision after the weekend. He’s had a bit of time to get over his race at Ascot – he’s still only a baby, but a very high class one.

“We’ve got entries in the Prix Robert Papin, the Phoenix and the Morny as well – with the Morny being the main Group One target that we want to head to, and the stepping stones in between will be decided dependent on the horse’s well-being and how he’s feeling in the meantime.

“I don’t think he wants it rattling firm. It was drying ground on the Saturday at Ascot, and he beat a field we were still learning about to be fair, but I think his quality to do it the way he did it shows it wasn’t a fluke – and the price was extraordinary, really.”

Nando Parrado is named after one of the survivors of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes which was the subject of a best-selling book and subsequent film.

Cox reports owners Paul and Marie McCarten have been in touch with the colt’s namesake.

The trainer added: “He (the human Nando Parrado) most certainly does (know about the Royal Ascot win).

“I’ve not spoken to him directly, but I know the owners have, and he’s thrilled he’s got such a high-profile horse competing with his name. He was thrilled about it in the first place, so that’s good.”

Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Clive Cox Royal Ascot Nando Parrado

Latest