Aiming for Ascot: Golden Horde returning to scene of previous Group 1 triumph

Clive Cox is hopeful a return to Ascot can result in his star sprinter Golden Horde getting back to Group 1-winning ways, with the trainer confirming the three-year-old on track for next month's Qipco British Champions Sprint.

Golden Horde is a best-priced 7-1 joint third favourite with bookmakers after a season that started with a length-and-a-half victory in the Commonwealth Cup and has seen him beaten by the same margin in three subsequent starts at the highest level against older horses.

The son of Lethal Force was third behind Oxted in the July Cup, fifth behind Space Blues when found out by the extra half-furlong in the Prix Maurice de Gheest and third behind Dream Of Dreams in the Sprint Cup earlier this month.

"Golden Horde's in great nick," said the Lambourn-based trainer. "He's had a very special season, winning his Group 1 in the Commonwealth Cup and stepping up when taking his elders on in all the major sprints. He's been so consistent all the way through and all being well it's all systems go for the Champions Day Sprint."

Cox also provided an update on his latest speedball, Saturday's Mill Reef fourth First Edition. He added: "First Edition ran a nice race the other day in the Mill Reef and showed a lot of speed and class. All being well we'd be very keen to run him in the Cornwallis next."

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