Key Hungerford quotes as Clive Cox turns to blinkers for Nando Parrado

3.30 Newbury
BetVictor Hungerford Stakes (Group 2) 7f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

The BetVictor Hungerford Stakes has been kind to Clive Cox, whose Nando Parrado may be able to defy odds of 33-1 if recapturing his form from last year.

Balthazaar's Gift in 2009 and Lethal Force three years later provided the Lambourn trainer with victories in the race, but his contender this time round is set to start the outsider of the field.

Rewind 12 months, when Nando Parrado was a two-length second to Campanelle in the Group 1 Prix Morny, and that might have seemed unlikely, but after a respectable fourth in the Greenham in April – over the Hungerford course and distance – the three-year-old's campaign has unravelled and he finished a 34-length last of 18 in the Jersey at Royal Ascot.

Clive Cox: Lambourn trainer is optimisticCredit: Edward Whitaker

However, Cox said: "I'm very happy with him. He had an excellent season last year, and I'm hoping to get him back to that. He was a very good two-year-old, and has become a bit more relaxed at home, so I've stuck a pair of blinkers on him.

"I think it should keep his mind fully on the job, and they should keep him focused, but he has been pleasing me at home and making good progress. He didn't like the ground at Ascot, which was bottomless, but he's come out of it well. The ground should be beautiful at Newbury, so that should be in his favour."

Cox, who trains last year's shock Coventry winner for Marie McCartan, added: "I'm always keen to win the Hungerford. It's local but it's also a high-class race and Lethal Force did well to win it as a four-year-old, and Balthazaar's Gift was another good winner. It would be fantastic to win it again with Nando."

What they say

Charlie Appleby, trainer of D'bai and Al Suhail
We were pleased with Al Suhail on his first start in a while in the Summer Mile, when he just got tired. He has definitely come forward for the run and we feel dropping back in trip is not going to be an inconvenience. D'bai has a penalty for his win in Dubai this year but doesn't look out of place in the field. It's his first appearance since February and we're hoping this can set him up for a nice autumn campaign.

Danyah: big handicap winner at Ascot last time in the International StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Njord
He's in great form and Newbury should really suit. He travelled over on Thursday night to arrive at the course first thing Friday morning, which will give him time to settle in.

Ed Walker, trainer of Dreamloper
We're looking forward to seeing her after winning the Valiant Stakes at Ascot in July. She's progressive and that race backed up what she has shown us at home. Molly Stratton, who rides her every day has done a fantastic job and we believe there's more to come. It's a deep race, but this would be a good next step.

John O'Donoghue, assistant to Roger Varian, trainer of Laneqash and Line Of Departure
It will be good to get Laneqash back on track and he's been going well enough at home to give a good account. Line Of Departure is a consistent sort who has achieved plenty and he'll appreciate the ground drying out.

William Haggas, trainer of Sacred
She’s really well, and needs this dry ground. I don't like her draw in 11, but there is pace next to her as the Shadwell horses like to go forward. She's been working really well.

Read a selection of our Saturday previews . . .

Big-race analysis: why opposing the well-regarded favourite is the wise approach in the Hungerford (Members' Club)

3.45 Ripon: Staxton out to make it back-to-back wins in ultra-competitive Great St Wilfrid

3.10 Ripon: tricky Great St Wilfrid consolation can provide key clues for the main event

2.20 Newbury: 'There are no excuses' – Burrows confident as Hukum bids for repeat win

2.35 Newmarket: 'He's well capable of winning' – who will triumph in the battle of the greys?

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