Cox warming to Ribblesdale run for well-regarded Perfect Clarity

Perfect Clarity, seventh of nine when well-fancied for this month's Oaks at Epsom, could get a quick chance to prove that running wrong as trainer Clive Cox is warming to the idea of running her in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot next week.

Cox, who has struck seven times during Flat racing's most prestigious and fashionable week, has made no secret of the regard in which he holds Perfect Clarity, labelling her the best middle-distance filly he has trained.

Watch Perfect Clarity's Lingfield win

However, easy ground at Epsom did not allow the daughter of Nathaniel to justify that faith in the Oaks, when she finished 17 and a half lengths behind Forever Together.

She took that race in her stride so could line up in the Ribblesdale, with Cox keen to see the sun shine on the Berkshire turf.

"I was impressed with her progress up until the Oaks, when the ground was just too soft for her," he said.

"She did have a hard race without any gain in the Oaks, so we've just crept away, but she seems to have come to herself the last few days, so I'm hopeful we can go there on a dry surface."

Ribblesdale entries

Owned by Bridget Drew and David Keast, Perfect Clarity won her only two-year-old start at Nottingham and struck in Lingfield's Oaks Trial before Epsom.

"We've kept a neutral mind on going to Ascot and she appears to have come to herself so I hope that continues to be the case," added Cox, who will have a customarily strong Royal Ascot team headed by Diamond Jubilee Stakes favourite Harry Angel.

The Lambourn trainer will also be represented by Zonderland in the Queen Anne and Heartache in the Commonwealth Cup, while Getchagetchagetcha, Konchek and Shades Of Blue are juveniles he is looking forward to running.

Clive Cox's Royal Ascot entries

"I think the whole year is geared to this coming week," said Cox. "It means an awful lot and I'll be pleased if we can bag a winner somewhere.

"Harry Angel is in great form. I suppose he's going to be the most supported in terms of favourites, but I'm pleased to say we'll have some nice chances most days."

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