Clive Cox grabs another Sovereign win
Hot favourite Massaat weakened alarmingly quickly but Zonderland was there to pick up the pieces and hold off the late challenge of Master The World
ZONDERLAND provided Clive Cox with back-to-back wins in the Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury in which 2000 Guineas runner-up Massaat finished tailed off.
Cox, successful with Kodi Bear 12 months ago, has always thought highly of the Cheveley Park Stud-owned colt, who finished sixth in the Guineas.
After a confidence-boosting win at Sandown, he returned to the top level in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly and while he cut no ice behind Zelzal, Cox felt he had valid excuses for that disappointing run.
Oisin Murphy was content to sit just behind Paul Hanagan on Massaat until two furlongs out when Massaat cut out alarmingly quickly.
Zonderland was left in front and kicked a couple of lengths clear and while Master The World tried hard to bridge the gap in the final furlong, he was beaten a length and three-quarters by the 4-1 winner.
Murphy said: "He's Adam Kirby's ride and along with Clive he told me how to ride him.
"He's clearly the best horse in the race and there's more to come. He's definitely up to Group Two level."
Cox said: "I think after last time this confirmed the promise of his Listed win at Sandown.
"It was a step up here but it was almost a confidence-booster after his run in France.
"He relished the quick ground and mentally and physically he's improving all the time.
"I'm delighted to win today and I'm proud to have him on my hands.
"Oisin was very much of the opinion that he got there a bit too soon but he is blessed with a lot of ability.
"He's better on a track like this where he's able to use himself properly.
"He was not an unlucky loser in the Guineas, he just didn't handle the dip.
"He has an entry in the Celebration Mile and that's a possibility but we'll see how he is first and discuss it with connections, though it would be nice to follow up a win in this race with the one we won with Kodi Bear."
Hanagan said of Massaat: "Maybe the ground was too quick but it was too bad to be true and very disappointing.
"I'd be very surprised if they don't find something with him as he stopped too quick."
Trainer Owen Burrows added: "It's very disappointing and we'll have to go back to see if we can find an issue.
"I'd been happy with him and of my last five runners I'd had four seconds and a winner, they've been pretty consistent all season.
"Paul said possibly the ground could be a reason but we shall see."
