Orthodox Bounces Back at Newmarket as Haffner Claims Royal Lodge

Orthodox delivered a commanding performance at the highest level for the first time, bouncing back from his Prix Morny defeat to win the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. The Clive Cox-trained colt, a 7-2 chance, proved too strong for the challenging Robson De Aguiar-trained Force Noir, winning by a narrow neck.

Force Noir controlled the early pace, but jockey Rossa Ryan held his restraint before unleashing Orthodox’s rally at the three-furlong marker. Despite being pressed all the way to the line by Force Noir, Orthodox held on, while favorite Inner City Blues failed to make an impact.

Cox expressed immense satisfaction with the result, noting the confidence his team had in the horse. “We always had confidence in him,” Cox said. “I’m just thrilled he has shown what we all see at home. He is pretty special in the mornings and special in the afternoons as well. He’s tough and very able.” The trainer praised Ryan’s ride, stating it was “supreme” in how he guided the horse through the dip and set him on course for victory.

This victory marked Cox’s third success in the Middle Park, following Reckless Abandon in 2012 and Supremacy in 2020. Like Orthodox, both previous winners were owned by Jason Goddard. With the horse’s future now focused on the sprint division, bookmakers have already installed Orthodox as a 12-1 contender for next year’s Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Connections are also expected to discuss a trip to America for the Breeders’ Cup.

“He had the gears to win well over five furlongs at Ascot and he’s a very talented sprinter and a joy to have,” Cox added. “He could go to the Breeders’ Cup and we’ll see how he comes back and discuss it with Jason. It is a possibility, but we have to enjoy today first.”

In the Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes, Haffner recorded a straightforward victory, sending a clear message about his middle-distance potential. The Aidan O’Brien-trained runner, a 7-4 favorite, pulled clear of the field in the final stretch, winning by one and a quarter lengths over Karl Burke’s Burning Up, who finished second in the colors of Bow Echo.

Haffner rebounded from a disappointing run in the National Stakes, where soft ground at the Curragh hindered his performance. Jockey Ryan Moore rode the son of Justify to an uncomplicated success, securing O’Brien’s record eighth Royal Lodge title and Moore’s first in the race.

O’Brien indicated that Haffner is suited to longer trips, predicting he could target the French Derby or Guineas next year. “The ground got soft at the Curragh the last day which didn’t suit him,” O’Brien explained. “He’s going to be a lovely middle-distance horse next year. He’ll get the Guineas trip on his ear, will stay a mile and a quarter and could even get further.”

With Paddy Power offering 4-1 odds on Haffner for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland, the possibility of an American campaign remains open. “America is very possible next, where he will get nice ground,” O’Brien said. “He would love the Breeders’ Cup round a bend and the mile would be very easy for him.”