Clive Cox has high hopes for Orthodox (9/2) after the unbeaten juvenile delivered a resounding victory in the G2 Norfolk Stakes.
Impressive when fancied on his debut at Salisbury, the Havana Grey colt tracked the strong pace set by the three Wesley Ward-trained contenders before showing a fine turn of foot under Rossa Ryan to run them down and win going away.
The winning verdict was three and a half lengths to 150/1 outsider El Floridita, with Mussab (66/1) a further neck behind in third.
Cox said: “Orthodox won at Salisbury and that was exciting, but we were only scratching the surface. Since then, he has surprised me with the way he has gone with older horses. He has been amazing and is just really, really special. I would say this horse is pretty special. His auntie, Heartache, won the Queen Mary for us and that was a special day, but this fellow is the next level.
“He will go six furlongs, I do not think that is a problem. Reckless Abandon went from here to the Robert Papin, which was five and a half furlongs in the old days, but is six now. The five-furlong options tend to dry up a little bit and I think he will get six quite cosily. He is just so talented and so fast. His work at home – I thought the guys riding the lead horses were getting it wrong a few times, but clearly not. I think six will be within his compass very easily. He is just a really, really nice horse.
“Kevin Harris, who rides him at home, and everyone else have been so instrumental in his development. He was really raw the first time we went to Salisbury, but he has come forward so well since then. I am proud of everyone, especially the horse.
“Orthodox is an absolute Christian. He has got a wonderful mind and, please God, we can continue the journey. I have trained members of the family – Heartache and Heartwarming. They were good fillies, but he is next level.”
Ryan said: “I have been lucky to ride good colts like Persian Force in the past and we were never too far away in races like these, but this lad got me excited – and I think he got everyone excited.
“He went to Salisbury green and he still is. He is still learning and is as laid-back as they come, but when I sat into him two down, I was thinking, ‘watch this.’ Once I opened him up, he really dropped down and galloped for me. He is a nice colt, that’s for sure.
“I was a small bit worried would we see what we see on the gallops in the morning, but we saw it today in a true-run race. He has got a smart future ahead of him. He is naturally quick and he has got a great make-up – he is very chilled out, nothing bothers him, and I think stepping up to six will be no problem. Mentally, he is different gravy. I have not dealt with a horse like this lad before and it’s quite exciting.
“I have been very fortunate this week. I’ve ridden two winners for two people who are massive supporters of mine. I’ve been with Clive for a good while and we’ve had a few near misses when we’ve come to Ascot. Luckily, we’ve found a nice one and he’s done the job.”
Nigel Tinkler said of El Floridita: “He was sold at the Goffs Sale on Monday and cost them £100,000, but I think it was money well spent now. I sold a third of him that day and I do not know now if I should be really pleased or not, but it is nice to have these American fellows putting their money where their mouth is, so best of luck to them.
“I thought he would finish in the first six or seven and I would have taken sixth. Obviously the winner won very easily, but ours was given a great ride by Rowan so happy days.
“He is not very big but he is strong. He thinks he is too good for this place. He is full of confidence and is a lovely little horse. He will stay at this trip. He is a five-furlong speedster and will go for all those good races now, definitely the Molecomb. He will stay with me hopefully.”