Clive Cox has described stable star Positive as “far stronger” than last year as he gets set for the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Cox has high hopes for Positive as the big races of the Flat season come into view and, after opting to swerve Saturday’s 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, the main target is the St James’s Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting on June 20.
Last year, Positive was impressive when only beaten by top star Pinatubo in the Qatar Vintage Stakes at Goodwood at the end of July, before Cox’s charge won at Sandown when sent off 4/5 favourite, beating Kameko in the process.
The trainer is looking forward to the summer and believes the step up to a mile will suit.
He told the Racing Post: “His maiden win was impressive and then finishing five lengths behind Pinatubo at Goodwood probably wasn’t too bad a performance, while he went on to beat Kameko in the Solario at Sandown.
“He’s definitely grown into himself over the winter and is far stronger than he was at two. He’s worked really well and I think stepping up to a mile is going to help this year.
“We kept an eye on the 2,000 Guineas but have decided to go straight to the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, where the right-handed, stiff track would be agreeable judged on his Sandown form.”
