Clive Cox hopeful more Group 1 glory can come Golden Horde's way

Clive Cox believes July Cup third Golden Horde will flourish for his first encounter with older horses and is eyeing further Group 1 glory this season.

The trainer's Commonwealth Cup winner was sent off the 2-1 favourite for Saturday's Group 1 but finished a length and a half behind the Roger Teal-trained Oxted, with Denis Hogan's Sceptical between the pair.

Diamond Jubilee fourth Khaadem and winner Hello Youmzain filled the next two places in what was a classy finish, with all the fancied runners to the fore, and Cox believes the experience will stand his three-year-old in good stead.

"I think we've still got more progress to come from our fella and slightly quicker ground might be in his favour," he said. "But I think the more important thing is he has the potential and scope to keep improving and hopefully he can with age on his side.

"He won a Group 1 on his seasonal debut this year. On his first voyage against older horses he acquitted himself well with a lot of promise for the future. I think it was a hot renewal."

He added: "He's come out of the race well. It was a very competitive race and fair play to Roger Teal's team, it was a very impressive performance by the winner."

Cox ruled out the Nunthorpe and said his charge will stick to six furlongs – with Haydock's Sprint Cup and the British Champions Sprint back at Ascot both prime options for the son of Lethal Force.

"We'll see how he is – he had a hard race but we have the main programme of sprints to look at," said Cox. "We'll decide where we go next and then move towards that."

Cox trained the 2013 July Cup winner Lethal Force, who went to the Prix Maurice de Gheest on his following start over six and a half furlongs, finishing second.

Read more:

July Cup report: Fallon and Teal strike with Oxted

Fallon praises his son's 'total dedication' after Group 1 breakthrough

The Assessor: manner and time of Oxted's win bodes well for the future

Place a bet of £1 or more on any UK or Irish race on racingpost.com to watch it live. Click the 'Watch Live' icon at the top of the racecard when it's due to start to watch the full race