Heartache on course for seasonal reappearance in the Sandy Lane Stakes
Clive Cox has indicated his Royal Ascot-winning filly Heartache is set to begin her three-year-old campaign at Haydock later this month, while stable star Harry Angel remains on course to return at York.
CLIVE COX hopes Heartache will begin her season in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock later this month.
The Cox-trained filly won the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Flying Childers at Doncaster in her juvenile season, but needs to prove her effectiveness over a furlong further, with connections apparently having the Commonwealth Cup in mind as a mid-season target.
Cox said: "She has done very well indeed. She has blossomed again. She could have run in the Pavilion (at Ascot), but the ground would have ruled us out in that respect.
"I'm very much hoping the Sandy Lane will be her starting point. I'm delighted with the way she has thrived over the winter.
"The goal is very much the Commonwealth Cup. Hopefully stepping up to six furlongs will be within her reach. She has got a lovely, laid-back approach to life but she has really strengthened up."
Cox won the Sandy Lane last year with Harry Angel, who also went on to win the July Cup and the Haydock Sprint Cup in a stellar year.
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"He is hopefully on target for the Duke of York, then all roads would point to Royal Ascot from there for the Diamond Jubilee," said Cox.
"I'm really happy with him. He has thrived through the winter and is stronger and more mature again than last year. I'm really pleased with how he looks with another winter on him.
"He will have a penalty at York, but it is good starting point for him and I'm happy with him at the moment."