No negatives for Vintage hope Positive at Glorious Goodwood says Clive Cox

Positive, who created a bright impression on his debut at Salisbury, has earned comparisons with former Clive Cox stars Zonderland and Xtension as he aims to build on that promise in the Qatar Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Tuesday.

Owned by Alan Spence, the son of Dutch Art was bought by Cox at the yearling sales last year and his 55,000gns price tag looked money well spent when he quickened in taking fashion at Salisbury in June, pulling clear by five lengths.

Closely related to the smart Zonderland, the exciting juvenile is aiming to join Xtension, who went on to became a top performer in Hong Kong, as a Cox-trained Vintage victor.

The Lambourn trainer said: "Positive is out of a half-sister to Zonderland and by Dutch Art, which makes them three-parts brothers. That was attractive as Zonderland was a real favourite and superstar for us, who won the Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury and was second in the Celebration Mile.

"He was a really nice horse to deal with and this fella had a lot of similarities and made a pleasing debut at Salisbury, winning by five lengths. There was greenness from a couple of the other runners and he got carried badly left, so it was all the more impressive he managed to win by five lengths.

"The form of the race has worked out well with Owney Madden winning nicely at Newbury at the weekend."

Cox, who has had seven winners at Goodwood's five-day summer highlight, added: "We thought he'd do well and we liked him from the start. He's got a bit of size and scope, so anything he does from here is going to be better.

"He's got a lot of potential and he's not just about this year. He's got a wonderful mind and I'm quite excited.

"He's got to keep progressing. The Vintage was the first Group 2 I ever won with Xtension and this fella excites me in a similar style."

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