Godolphin sprint star Harry Angel is ‘even stronger this year’ according to trainer Clive Cox.
The four-year-old was one of the stars of 2017, winning the July Cup at Newmarket and 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock.
Ascot was not as kind to Harry Angel though, with no wins from his three runs in Berkshire, despite going oh so close in the Commonwealth Cup behind Caravaggio at Royal Ascot.
It will be the Royal meeting again for Cox’s stable star, with the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on the Saturday a consideration, and the experienced trainer is extremely excited to see what the season has in store.
“We’re incredibly proud to have a horse of his calibre on our hands,” Cox told the Racing Post.
“Everything came together last year and he proved what he’d been showing us was possible. He’s rated the world’s best sprinter over 6f and I’m delighted that from three to four there was more progress in his physical development – I think he’s even stronger again this year.
“He’s more mature mentally too and, with that, I think he’s going to be an even better racehorse.
“There were many highlights last season but the way he exploded at Haydock was very special and the July Cup was probably the most solid form of the whole lot.
"I think the Duke of York Stakes is a logical stepping stone to Royal Ascot in the first part of the season and beyond that the pattern is pretty clear, with hopefully the July Cup and Haydock Sprint Cup again. He’s very exciting.”
Cox did enjoy success at Royal Ascot in 2017 thanks to the speedy Heartache in the Queen Mary Stakes, who powered home to beat the highly fancied Wesley Ward star Happy Like A Fool.
It will be back to Berkshire for the impressive filly in June, following in the footsteps of Harry Angel by aiming for the Commonwealth Cup.
"She’s thrived and I’m hopeful we can think about the Commonwealth Cup with her," Cox added.
"I firmly believe she’ll get 6f well as a three-year-old and the Sandy Lane at Haydock is where we’re thinking about starting her. She’s got a wonderful temperament and is a joy to train."
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