Orthodox recovered from his disappointing run in the Prix Morny and proved he belongs at the very top level by capturing the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The race unfolded with Force Noir taking the early lead and setting a brisk tempo, while Rossa Ryan quickly checked his mount and challenged the Norfolk Stakes winner at the three‑furlong point.
The Clive Cox‑trained colt, sent off at 7‑2, was driven hard all the way to the finish line, where he edged out Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir by a neck, despite the favorite Inner City Blues never really getting into contention. The victory marked a much‑needed return to winning form for the Royal Ascot‑scoring youngster, and Cox was effusive in his post‑race interview. He explained that the team had always believed in the colt’s ability and that the main question was whether he would cope with the quicker ground typical of this time of year. "Sometimes the ground isn’t as fast as today, but I’m thrilled he has shown what we see in training – he’s special in the mornings and just as impressive in the afternoons.
He’s tough, very talented, and it was a massive team effort to get him here. I’m over the moon," Cox said. Cox praised jockey Rossa Ryan for his masterful ride, noting how Ryan guided Orthodox through the dip in the track and then let him unleash his full speed.
"He got the track right, and Rossa was supreme – the way he coaxed him through the dip and then set sail was a supreme ride. Rossa knows exactly what he’s riding and what he’s up against," the trainer added. 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. With Orthodox now firmly established as a top‑class sprinter, Ladbrokes and Coral have offered him odds of 12‑1 for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at the Royal Meeting.
However, before looking ahead to the British season, his connections are already weighing a potential trip across the Atlantic to contest the Breeders’ Cup. Speaking about future plans, Cox said, "I would be hugely excited by this fellow.
I know his family well – his aunt won the Queen Mary for us (Heartache). He’s got the ability to race over five or six furlongs, and today he proved he can stay six. He had the gear to win comfortably over five at Ascot and is a very talented sprinter, a real joy to have. It’s a joy to have horses like this, and it means the world.
He could go to the Breeders’ Cup, and we’ll see how he comes back and discuss it with Jason. It’s a possibility, but we have to enjoy today first and then talk about the future over the next few days." In related news, Haffner put a disappointing run in the National Stakes behind him with a convincing 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 keenly on the far side of the course alongside Iwasjustsaying.
Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner made his move a furlong and a half from home, pulling away from the field while 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 victory and earning Ryan Moore his first in the race.
Karl Burke’s Burning Up held on for second place in the colours of last year’s winner Bow Echo. O’Brien praised the colt’s performance, noting that softer ground at the Curragh on the previous day had not suited him.
"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 good mover; we didn’t expect the ground to be as soft as it was at the Curragh.
He’s a beautiful mover and we were happy to draw a line through that – he was always in control today. Ryan gave him a beautiful, uncomplicated ride; it was very simple really," the trainer explained. He added that Haffner’s only blemish was the National Stakes, which he attributed to the unsuitable ground. "His form is a different class, really.
The only blip was the National Stakes because of the ground, and we know he’ll take a mile very easily. He’s an Acomb winner and his form is so strong," O’Brien said. Paddy Power have offered Haffner 4‑1 odds for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month, and O’Brien hinted that America could be the next destination for the talented son of Justify.
"America is very possible next, where he will get nice ground. He would love the Breeders’ Cup round a bend and the mile would be very easy for him, so we’ll see what the lads want to do.
America was always a possibility and the last day was a blip, but we had to come here today to make sure we knew exactly that it was and he’s back on track. I think he could start in a Guineas next year and then we’ll see him stepping up in trip," the trainer concluded.
Both Orthodox and Haffner have now re‑established themselves as top prospects for the remainder of the season and beyond, with their connections actively planning campaigns that could see them compete on the world stage in the United States as well as in the classic British fixtures. The excitement surrounding these two juveniles underscores the depth of talent in this generation and promises compelling storylines for racing fans worldwide.