Orthodox recovered from his disappointing run in the Prix Morny and proved his class at the highest level in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The race opened with Force Noir taking the early lead, setting a brisk tempo that kept the field on its toes. Rossa Ryan, aboard Orthodox, made an early move, challenging the pace and urging the Norfolk Stakes winner into action as they approached the three‑furlong marker. The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was pressed all the way to the finish by Force Noir, who was backed at generous odds.
In a thrilling climax, Orthodox edged the rival by a neck, while the race favourite, Inner City Blues, never managed to get into contention. The victory marked a much‑needed return to winning ways for the Royal Ascot performer and prompted Cox to praise his horse’s adaptability.
"We always believed in him," Cox said after the race. "The question was whether he could handle the quicker ground that’s typical for this time of year. Sometimes the going isn’t as fast, but today he showed what we see in training – he’s special both in the mornings and the afternoons.
He’s tough, highly talented, and the whole team deserves credit for getting him to this point. I’m over the moon." He continued, "Rossa gave him a superb ride, especially through the dip and then letting him unleash his speed. It was a masterful performance, and Rossa knows exactly how to get the best out of him." This win gave Cox his third Middle Park triumph, joining the likes of Reckless Abandon (2012) and Supremacy (2020), both of which were also owned by Jason Goddard. Looking ahead, Orthodox has been quoted at 12‑1 by Ladbrokes and Coral for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal Meeting, though his connections are also weighing a possible trip to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup.
"I’m extremely excited about his future," Cox added. "His pedigree is strong – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He can handle five‑furlong sprints, but today he proved he can stay six furlongs as well. He has the turn of foot to win comfortably over five at Ascot and is a genuinely talented sprinter." Cox also hinted at an American campaign: "A Breeders’ Cup run is on the table, and we’ll discuss it with Jason after we enjoy today’s success.
It’s a possibility, but we’ll take it one step at a time." In other news, Haffner rebounded from a lackluster effort in the National Stakes with a decisive victory 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, while Iwasjustsaying lingered on the far side of the course. Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner 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 Ryan Moore his first victory in the race. Karl Burke’s Burning Up held on for second place, racing in the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. O’Brien praised the colt’s adaptability: "The ground turned soft at the Curragh the previous day, which didn’t suit him, but today the conditions were perfect.
He’s destined to be a top‑class middle‑distance horse next season, a potential French Derby contender. He’ll handle the Guineas distance, can stay a mile and a quarter, and might even stretch further. He moves beautifully, and despite the soft ground at the Curragh we knew he’d bounce back. Ryan gave him a clean, uncomplicated ride – it was a simple, effective performance." He added, "His form is of a different class; the only blemish was the National Stakes, which we attribute to the unsuitable ground.
He’ll take the mile easily next year, and his pedigree as an Acomb winner underlines his strong credentials." Paddy Power have offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien indicated that a transatlantic campaign could be on the horizon for the son of Justify. "America is a realistic target, especially with the likely good ground there.
The Breeders’ Cup would suit him, and the mile would be a breeze. We’ll see what the owners decide," O’Brien said. He concluded, "America has always been an option; the soft ground at the Curragh was a one‑off issue. We needed this win to confirm his form, and now we can look ahead.
He could start in a Guineas next year and then step up in distance as his development continues." Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of thoroughbred sport.