At The Races

It's easy to forget just how long Clive Cox has been a trainer. In fact it was back in 1991 that he saddled his first winner and there have been plenty more since.

He has shown the expertise to keep his older stars like Poet, Electrolyser and Jimmy Styles operating at the high end of their game while nurturing younger talent.

There are some potentially smart three-year-olds coming through, amongst them Accession who has moved to 95, and the exciting but lightly-raced pair of Dream Tune (93) and Forest Row on a debut mark off 88.

Here the trainer discusses the pick of the team he handles in Lambourn.

Older horses

ALWAYS THE LADY
4 ch f Halling - Hector's Girl.
Sole win from nine starts came when rated 81 and winning a ten furlong Bath maiden last September. Best race since on reappearance when three lengths second to progressive Stand To Reason in mile and a quarter handicap at Bath off same mark. Up to 83 only subsequent run when disappointing twelfth of 18 to Mulaqen in York handicap May 16 - first attempt at 12 furlongs.
"The Newbury performance was promising and the ease in the ground helped her show strong, battling qualities. She was beaten too far out for 12 furlongs to be an excuse last time and I don't know why she ran disappointing. Adam Kirby things 12 is ok but I think her best form has been at ten. Better with some give."

BLACK SPIRIT
5 b g Black Minnaloushe - L'Extra Honor.
Last of two wins in 18 starts came in early July 2010 off 97 in mile handicap at Sandown. Has run with credit at Listed and Group three level since when 110 but was down to 100 latest start and first in handicap since last successful when length and a quarter fourth of 13 to Gatewood in 10 furlong handicap at Epsom June 2.
"Had a wind operation in the winter and his performance at Epsom last time showed he's now just where we hoped he'd be. The outside draw wasn't any help and I'm hopeful his mark doesn't move too much because he's hovering around a weight where he can make his presence felt in something like the Wolverton at Royal Ascot, also the John Smiths Cup. Needs a strong gallop on good or quicker ground."

BLAZING FIELD
4 ch f Halling - Autumn Wealth.
Has won once in eight starts, final run of 2011 when beating Pittodrie Star a length and a half off 71 in 12 furlong handicap at Bath. Moved from 76 to 80 after finishing half length third of 11 to Gilded Age in two mile handicap at Newbury in April. Back to 79 after finishing just under five lengths fifth of nine to Astromagick same trip at Goodwood May 24.
"Although she shows a gear change at home she's a filly that stays very well. Goodwood didn't play to her strengths last time but she's pretty versatile regarding ground apart from extremes. Still maturing and there are good races for her."

ELECTROLYSER
7 gr g Daylami - Iviza.
Smart stayer, four from 23 and latest of those wins came on reappearance when beating Zuider Zee two lengths in 14 furlong Listed race at Nottingham in April. Was rated 109 there, has been 114 but slightly disappointing last two starts in group three and group two at Kempton and York respectively.
"Gelded midway through last year because he was getting very heavy and he went to Dubai this winter to get some sun. Unfortunately he didn't have the gears to win but he showed the benefit when he won at Nottingham in April. Difficult to place on 109 and he might have to go to France for smaller staying races because he's got no group penalty and he can lead if he needs to."

GANAS
4 b g Oasis Dream - Hollow Dynasty.
Lightly-raced but useful. Won second start last season over six at Doncaster and rated 85. Has stayed on that mark and possibly best run of four since was latest at Windsor May 28 when two and a half lengths fourth of 14 to Cape Classic.
"Ran with credit at Windsor from an outside draw and I'm thinking that the stiff five at Sandown on June 7 might be ok. He's taken time physically and is maturing well having been gelded."

JIMMY STYLES
8 ch g Inchinor - Inya Lake.
Grand sprint handicapper, last of six wins came off 99 in six furlong handicap at Doncaster April 2011. Now hovers around 105 and off that mark when half length second to Tiddliwinks in six furlong group three at the Curragh May 26.
"Difficult in handicaps with this weight but he'd as good as ever this season even though he's no so keen early on these days and therefore is sitting a little out of his ground. Might have a run in the Golden Jubilee."

NIGHT AND DANCE
4 b f Danehill Dancer - Evensong.
Won final of three starts last season in nine furlong Wolverhampton maiden and rated 77 on reappearance when beating Tidal Run two lengths in five-runner ten furlong handicap at Bath in April. Up to 82 and well held fourth of seven to Dragonera in Doncaster handicap over same trip April 28. Stays on same mark.
"Won easily at Bath but the ground was too easy at Doncaster but there are some nice ten furlong fillies handicaps coming up for her."

PERFECT CRACKER
4 ch g Dubai Destination - Perfect Story.
Both wins from 11 starts came in December 2011 over seven and a mile at Kempton, latter of 6lb higher mark of 79. Struggled off 88 next two runs and was off 83 latest start when three and a half lengths fifth of 12 to Ree's Rascal in mile handicap at Newbury May 26. Now 80 on turf but better on all weather and rated accordingly at 86.
"He's higher on the all weather where he's done his winning and although he's been dropped on turf I still think he's too high, handicapper needs to give us a chance on grass and there's nothing coming up for him on all weather. The consistent surface suits him."

PERFECT TRIBUTE
4 b f Dubawi - Perfect Spirit.
Last of three wins came off 98 in group three at Lingfield in May 2011. Went to 107 without success in eight subsequent outing and own to 99 latest when seven lengths sixth of seven to Pastoral Player in seven furlong group three at Haydock June 2.
"Dual course record-holder at Lingfield and Ascot over six and seven. She's a busy filly to train and although she hasn't won this season so far she looks and feels well. She'll slot in somewhere because she is dropping a little and the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot might be ok."

POET
7 b h Pivotal - Hyabella.
Mud-lover with six wins from 29 starts and has been 116. However didn't really operate on very heavy ground at Sandown late April when three lengths second to Colombian in ten furlong group three. Has dropped from 113 to 111.
"Very solid this year, never had such a tough horse that likes it soft although it was bad at Sandown and although he had a hard race he was still chasing me out of his box at 11 that night. He's in very good order but we just have to take our shots when the weather is with us - needs it soft."

SEEKING MAGIC
4 b g Haafhd - Atnab.
Won second of eight starts on final start of last season off 75 over six at Bath. Beaten a nose on reappearance off 82 and off 84 on career-best effort when length second of 17 to Mappin Time in six furlong handicap at Haydock May 26. Now 87.
"It was a good run last time, a horse with talent and plenty of speed but must have pace in his races. Keeps getting stronger and although I initially thought he'd get further he is keen and seems best at six. Fast ground isn't a problem."

WINTER'S NIGHT
4 b f Night Shift - Woodlands Glade.
Winner at two and three over six and seven and finished last season on 98. Has been off track since July when coming back to finish length and a half second of six to Boastful in mile listed race at Goodwood May 5. Well-held sixth of nine off same mark of 98 in group three at the Curragh May 26 in race won by Emulous. Stays on same mark.
"Lost a shoe in Ireland last time which explains her run and came home quite sore. She would handle faster ground but is more at home on an easy surface. A mile is the right trip and I think she was a bit rusty at Lingfield first run back."

Three-year-olds.

ACCESSION
B c Acclamation - Pivotal's Princess.
Improving sprint handicapper, won off 96 at Leicester over six in April and dropped to 95 latest start when highly creditable length and a quarter sixth of 16 to Mince in six furlong handicap at Newmarket May 19.
"Very competitive handicap last time when not beaten that far and heads to York on June 16 for a valuable handicap off the same mark. Very pleased with him but can get behind the bridle early in his races and for that reason he might get some headgear next time. I think he's a high class performer."

DEVDAS
B c Dylan Thomas - Drifting.
Sole win from nine starts came off 75 in mile handicap at Newmarket last August. Went to 81 without success and had dropped to 80 latest run when length and a half second of eight to Basseterre in mile handicap at Haydock May 25.
"Unlucky last time, stumbled just as he was pulling out to make his run and gave himself a nasty bang on the back of the fetlock. Did well to finish second and has a good attitude and I expect him to move forward in mile handicaps from this point."

DREAM TIME
B c Oasis Dream - Play Bouzouki.
Sound second start on reappearance when three and three quarter lengths second to Noble Mission in mile maiden at Newbury in April. Out of depth next run when 15 lengths fourth to Bonfire in group two Dante at York May 17. Debut mark of 93.
"Always thought a lot of him hence running him in the Dante after he was second to Noble Mission. Strong and physically mature and he still ran with credit at York and the plan now is to go for a maiden at Sandown on June 7. Wouldn't want it too firm being from the same family as Poet. We'll re-group after his maiden and build from that."

FABLED CITY
Ch g Johannesburg - Fabulous Fairy.
Maiden with ability and rated 74 for handicap debut on reappearance when two and a quarter lengths fourth of ten to Dixie's Dream over seven furlongs at Leicester May 21.
"Has a keen approach to racing and could do with switching off a little. Ideally he'd stay further than seven furlongs but he's got to settle first."

FOREST ROW
B g Cockney Rebel - Forest Fire.
Improved on two starts last season when winning reappearance in mile maiden at Newbury in April beating Lucanin two and three quarter lengths. Debut mark of 88.
"Half-brother to Presvis and bolted up at Newbury when there was ease in the ground and certainly doesn't want it too quick. I'm hoping that he'll be able to run on suitable ground in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot. He'll move on with the right conditions."

HIGHLAND DUKE
B c Dansili - House In Wood.
Improving and best of three runs on latest when upped from seven to a mile and finishing eight lengths third of 13 to Nine Realms at Leicester May 28.
"Good run last time and wasn't quite himself when he came back from his first run back at Doncaster. We like him a lot but physically there's still improvement to come and although he'll eventually get 10 furlongs we'll stay at a mile for the time being."

LETHAL FORCE
Gr c Dark Angel - Land Army.
Smart in defeat at group level last season and won penalty kick maiden over extended five at Bath on reappearance in April when 30-100 and rated 105. Good second to smart Swiss Spirit over six in listed race at Newbury May 18 and just over a length third to Slade Power in same grade and trip at Haydock June 2.
"I think the Haydock winner last time is quite decent and there were some nice horses behind us. He did run over seven last year and that is still an option now although a strongly run six furlongs is ideal. Getting stronger and has coped well when mixing it with smart horses so I think there are decent races around the corner."

LITTLE DUTCH GIRL
Ch f Dutch Art - Photographie.
Won debut over a mile at Chepstow last August and rated 74 for handicap debut at Sandown over ten furlongs in April when four lengths second of eight to Samba King. Off 76 next run when five lengths sixth of 13 to Traveller's Tales in mile and a quarter Salisbury handicap May 17.
"Disappointing last time and I can't find any reason. Plenty of ability but quirky, hence she always has headgear. Didn't stretch out at Salisbury and probably doesn't want it too firm."

LUCKY HENRY
Br c Lucky Story - Seldemosa.
Won second of two starts last season over six at Nottingham and started this season off 79. Ran well first two starts and up to 83 latest when excellent length and three quarters second of 13 to Gabrial in mile handicap at Haydock May 26. Now 88.
"Very pleased with him but must have a sound surface and although he was running back quickly in the Silver Bowl at Haydock last time he performed very well and I think the winner is pretty special. He's Ascot-bound for the Britannia - ground permitting."

PERFECT DELIGHT
B f Dubai Destination - Perfect Spirit.
Maiden with ability and has improved form move up from a mile to 11 furlongs latest start when nose second to Dedication at Kempton May 15 off 79. Previously neck second to smart Expense Claim off same rating and now 83.
"Very honest, stays well, should win a mile and a half maiden somewhere and doesn't have a ground worry."

POETIC DANCER
Ch f Byron - Crozon.
Won second then final of six starts last season, later over seven at Newbury off 84. Off 89 on reappearance when well beaten ten lengths eleventh of 13 to Bronze Angel in mile handicap at Doncaster May 19. Stays on same mark.
"Didn't get a mile at Doncaster but needs quicker ground and will drop her down to seven at Sandown on June 16."

PRESENT DAY
Gr f Cadeaux Genereux - Crackle.
Ability judged on sole start last season when six and a half lengths fourth of 13 to Operettist in seven furlong maiden at Salisbury in October.
"Taken a while to come, ready to run now, has an option at Goodwood on June 8 but it's in my mind to go further than a mile later on."

WAY TOO HOT
Br f King's Best - Street Fire.
Won second of three starts over seven at Kempton in August. Rated 84 and decent efforts both starts this season, length second to much improved Laugh Out Loud in conditions race at Kempton in April rated 90 and off 93 when disappointing behind same filly latest run in listed at York May 18.
"I think she's better than her last run at York - she showed that at Kempton - and she worked very well on June 2. We'll probably go for the Sandringham Handicap over seven at Royal Ascot."

Two-year-olds.

MALILLA
B f Red Clubs - Maleha.
Last of four to Graphic Guest on five furlong debut at Ascot May 11 but only beaten four and a half lengths.
"Nice first run, we think a lot of her, would be better on better ground too. Six will be fine."

RECKLESS ABANDON
B c Exchange Rate - Sant Elena.
Impressive winner over five on debut at Doncaster May 19. Hasn't race since.
"He goes to the Norfolk at Royal Ascot, very pleased with his form which is looking good. Probably one of the quickest I've trained and only a baby. He'll get better with experience."

WELL ACQUAINTED
B c Orientate - Stunning Rose.
Placed all three starts, latest over six at Nottingham May 22 when beaten five lengths by Windhoek.
"He'll get further than six furlongs, sharp enough though, and will win alright. Honest."

GRAND DENIAL
B c Thousand Words - The Oldladysaysno.
Unraced.
"First crop of his sire, has grown a lot but not quite ready yet. Out in July."

POLLY'S LOVE
B f Antonius Pius - Polly's Mark.
Unraced.
"First foal of a very smart mare, one for the second half of the season."

RELATED
B c Kheleyf - Balladonia.
Unraced.
"Half-brother to Wootton Bassett, has an entry on June 8 and is a very nice progressive horse."