Orthodox rebounded from his loss in the Prix Morny by delivering a top‑class performance in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, confirming his status as a leading two‑year‑old sprinter. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking charge early, setting a brisk tempo that tested the field from the outset. Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, made an early move, challenging the leader and urging the Norfolk Stakes winner into action as they approached the three‑furlong point. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was engaged in a fierce duel with Robson De Aguiar's Force Noir.
The two battled down the straight, with Force Noir offering long odds but staying on strongly. In the end, Orthodox edged his rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never found a rhythm and faded well back. Cox was elated at the result, noting that the team had always believed in the horse’s ability.
"We always had confidence in him and the question was whether he would handle the firmer ground that comes at this time of year," he said. "Sometimes the ground isn’t as quick, but I’m thrilled he showed what we see at home – he’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons.
He’s tough, very capable, and it was a huge team effort to get him here. I’m over the moon." He praised Ryan’s ride, adding, "He got the perfect position on the track, navigated the dip superbly and then let the colt unleash his turn of foot.
It was a superb ride – Ryan knows exactly what he’s doing and how to get the best out of Orthodox." This victory marked Cox’s third Middle Park win, following successes with Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020, both owned by Jason Goddard, who also owns Orthodox. Looking ahead, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered the colt 12‑1 odds for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, indicating that his future lies firmly in the sprint division where Cox excels. The connections are also weighing a possible trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup. Cox explained, "I’d be hugely excited about this horse.
His family is well‑known to us – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He can handle five‑furlong sprints, but today proved he can stay six furlongs as well. He has the gear to win over five at Ascot and is a genuinely talented sprinter." He continued, "It would be a joy to send him to the Breeders’ Cup and see how he comes back.
We’ll discuss that with Jason in the coming days, but first we need to enjoy today’s win." In other news, Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner erased a disappointing run in the National Stakes with a decisive victory in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. The Charlie Appleby‑trained duo Quest For Stars and First Law contested the early lead, while Iwasjustsaying raced on the far side of the course. Haffner, ridden by Ryan Moore, made his move a furlong and a half from the finish, pulling away from the field as First Law and Quest For Stars could not match his acceleration. The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge win and delivering Moore his first success in the race.
Karl Burke’s Burning Up held on for second place, representing the colours of last year’s winner, Bow Echo. O’Brien praised the colt’s performance, saying, "The ground softened at the Curragh last time, which didn’t suit him. He’s a lovely middle‑distance prospect for next season – a potential French Derby type. He’ll stay a mile and a quarter and could even stay further.
He’s a good mover; the softer ground at the Curragh was an anomaly. He was in control today, and Ryan gave him a beautiful, uncomplicated ride." He added, "His form is of a different class. The only blemish was the National Stakes, which we know was due to the ground. He’ll handle a mile easily.
He’s an Acomb winner and his form is very strong." Paddy Power have offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien hinted that a trip to America could be on the cards for the son of Justify. "America is very possible – the ground will suit him, and the Breeders’ Cup round a bend would be ideal. The mile would be easy for him, so we’ll see what the lads decide," O’Brien said. He concluded, "America has always been an option, and the soft ground at the Curragh was a blip.
We needed today’s performance to confirm his true ability. He could start in a Guineas next year and then step up in distance." Both trainers emphasized the importance of enjoying each victory while planning future campaigns.
The wins of Orthodox and Haffner underscore the depth of talent in this generation of two‑year‑olds, and fans can look forward to seeing how these horses develop as they move into classic season and beyond.