'I certainly hope he's a Guineas horse' - Cox to run Classic hopefuls at Newbury

Clive Cox is looking forward to unleashing two of last season's leading lights from his Lambourn yard this weekend, with Classic hopefuls Nando Parrado and Isabella Giles on target for Sunday's Guineas trials at Newbury.

Nando Parrado caused a huge shock when winning last year's Coventry Stakes at 150-1 before finishing runner-up in two Group 1 races in France, the Prix Morny and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, during a productive juvenile campaign.

Owned by Marie McCartan, Nando Parrado is a general 50-1 chance for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas and Cox is hoping he can advertise his Classic credentials in the Group 3 Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes.

Newbury Sunday card

"I don't think he quite got the credit he deserved for winning at Royal Ascot last year," said Cox. "He's certainly pleased me very much and he's strengthened again with normal development from two to three. He coped with easy enough ground and has been pleasing us at home.

"He probably wouldn't want conditions on the quick side but I hope we're going to be within our boundaries with him."

Clive Cox: holds a strong hand at Newbury on SundayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Nando Parrado is untried beyond Sunday's seven furlongs but his trainer has always been confident that he would stay the mile trip in the Guineas this season.

He added: "I'm pleased we're starting at seven but on the dam's side there's no doubt in my mind that he's going to get a mile – I always felt that from the start.

"I certainly hope he's a Guineas horse but likewise, it would be nice to see him take a positive first step back."

Isabella Giles did Cox and owners Paul and Clare Rooney proud last season with victories in the Group 3 Prestige Stakes at Goodwood and the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket, and is set to return to action in Sunday's Dubai Duty Free Stakes, registered as the Fred Darling Stakes, at Newbury.

"She's wintered really well," said Cox. "I think her last run of the year was probably a step too far after a highly commendable season. We're looking forward to getting her back on track."

Isabella Giles reverts to seven furlongs having disappointed on her only try beyond that distance in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile at the end of last season, but Cox is certainly not against stepping back up in trip with the daughter of Balardo a general 25-1 chance for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas.

Isabella Giles: Rockfel winner returns to action at the weekendCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I'm happy to be starting at seven but would be open minded about giving the mile a try again," said the trainer. "She's training very pleasingly and I hope her run at the weekend will assure us of that possibility."

Cox has already been among the big-race winners in recent weeks, with another exciting three-year-old, Diligent Harry, scoring on All-Weather Finals Day on Good Friday.

Diligent Harry has raced exclusively on synthetic surfaces in four starts so far but Cox is eyeing a first turf start at next month's Lockinge meeting at Newbury for the exciting son of Due Diligence.

He said: "He's having a bit of a breather. He never ran until January and has done very well indeed. The Carnarvon Stakes would be a good idea as a step into Listed company. I think that would be logical and leaves a complete choice of options from there."

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