Orthodox rebounded from his loss in the Prix Morny to claim a high‑profile victory in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, proving his class at the top level for the first time. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking the early lead, dictating a brisk tempo as he headed the field into the opening stages. Rossa Ryan, aboard the Norfolk Stakes winner, quickly made his move, challenging Orthodox at the three‑furlong point and urging the colt into a genuine effort.

The Clive Cox‑trained horse, sent off at 7‑2, was pressed all the way to the finish line by Force Noir, who was backed at generous odds. In a thrilling finish, Orthodox edged out his rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get into contention. The win marked a satisfying return to winning form for the Royal Ascot victor, and Cox could not hide his delight.

"We always believed in him," Cox said after the race. "The question was whether he would handle the firmer ground that comes with this time of year. Sometimes the going isn’t as quick, but today he showed exactly what we see in training – he’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons.

He’s tough, talented, and the whole team played a part in getting him here. I’m over the moon." He continued, "Rossa gave him a perfect ride, especially through the dip, and then let him unleash his speed.

It was a masterful ride, and I’m thrilled with the result. Rossa knows his horse inside out and knows how to get the best out of him." This victory was Cox’s third Middle Park win, joining the likes of Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both owned by Jason Goddard, the same owner as Orthodox. Looking ahead, Cox hinted that the colt’s future lies squarely in sprinting, a division where Cox has consistently excelled. Ladbrokes and Coral have already offered Orthodox odds of 12‑1 for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, while a potential trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup is also being discussed.

"I’d be excited to see him target the Breeders’ Cup," Cox added. "His family has a strong record – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache).

He can handle five or six furlongs, and today he proved he can stay the six. He has the turn of foot to win over five at Ascot and is a genuinely talented sprinter. It’s a joy to have a horse like him." Cox emphasized the importance of enjoying the present before planning the future: "We’ll see how he comes back from the Breeders’ Cup and discuss options with Jason.

For now, we celebrate today’s success and then decide over the next few days." In related news, Haffner put a disappointing run in the National Stakes behind him with a decisive win in the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the race featured a duel between Quest For Stars and First Law for the early lead, with First Law racing prominently on the far side of the course alongside Iwasjustsaying. Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner made his move a furlong and a half from the finish, pulling away from the field while First Law and Quest For Stars could not keep up. The well‑backed 7‑4 favourite won by one and a quarter lengths, giving O’Brien a record eighth Royal Lodge victory and Ryan Moore his first in the event.

Karl Burke’s Burning Up finished a respectable second, racing in the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. O’Brien praised his colt’s performance, noting that softer ground at the Curragh had hampered him in the National Stakes.

"He’ll be a lovely middle‑distance horse next year, a French Derby type. He’ll stay a mile and a quarter and could even go further. He’s a beautiful mover, and today he was in control throughout.

Ryan gave him a simple, clean ride." He added, "His only blemish was the soft ground at the Curragh. He’ll take the Guineas trip easily, and his form is top‑class. He’s an Acomb winner and his pedigree is strong." Paddy Power have offered Haffner a 4‑1 price for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien indicated that a trip to America could be on the cards for the son of Justify.

"America is a very possible target where he’ll get nice ground. He’d love the Breeders’ Cup round a bend, and the mile would be easy for him. We’ll see what the connections decide," O’Brien said. He concluded, "America has always been a possibility.

The soft ground at the Curragh was a blip, but today we’ve confirmed his ability. He could start in a Guineas next year and then step up in distance." Both trainers highlighted the importance of flexibility in planning a horse’s campaign, balancing immediate targets with long‑term aspirations.

For Orthodox, the next steps may involve a sprint campaign culminating in the Commonwealth Cup, while Haffner’s connections are weighing a classic mile route with a potential Breeders’ Cup appearance. The spring season continues to produce exciting storylines, and racing fans can look forward to further developments as these promising horses progress through their respective programmes.