Clive Cox brings up his 50 at Salisbury as Benefit lands Listed Cathedral Stakes

Sunday: Salisbury

Clive Cox continued his rich vein of form as Benefit provided the trainer with his 50th course victory in the Listed Cathedral Stakes.

The Cheveley Park-owned filly stayed on well under John Fahy to finish a length clear of favourite Nahaarr as Cox steps up preparations for Royal Ascot.

"I was unaware of that figure at Salisbury, but it’s quite nice to get to that mark," said the Lambourn trainer.

"We've had winners all week, and in the last few days especially, so it gives us a bit of confidence going into such a meeting like Royal Ascot.

"The dry forecast means we should get some nice ground and I couldn't be more pleased with the form the horses have going into it."

It was a third win for Benefit and Cox believes there is plenty more to come from his three-year-old, who will likely continue at this six-furlong trip.

"It was a quality race, albeit a small field, but the way she quickened up and really hit the line well just shows that this recipe is working and she is making really good progress," said Cox.

"She handled the quicker conditions better than we have encountered before, which was good, but John gave her a great ride and it was very exciting to watch."

Powerful debut

Minnetonka made an impressive start to her career when taking the 6f novice stakes by seven lengths.

The daughter of Kingman travelled strongly before leaving her rivals well behind as Richard Hannon recorded an 11th two-year-old winner of the season.

It was the second of two victories on the day for the trainer as Laasudood justified favouritism to land the mile handicap at Doncaster.

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