Glasgow Times

Cox eager for Inisherin rematch with Jasour

CLIVE COX is excited to head to Newmarket with his Royal Ascot third Jasour, where he could face a Commonweal­th Cup rematch with Inisherin in the My Pension Expert July Cup.

Winner of the July Stakes as a juvenile, the son of Havana Grey has already advertised his suitabilit­y for the July Course at Headquarte­rs.

Although he lost his way after securing Group Two honours at two, he has rediscover­ed his best this term and after winning at Ascot on Trials day in the Pavilion Stakes, was a respectabl­e third on his return to Group One action at the Royal meeting.

Slowly away and then keen in the early stages, Jasour made eye- catching progress in the second half of the six- furlong event. Having moved stylishly into contention, he did not quite have enough in reserve to chase down the impressive Kevin Ryantraine­d winner, but Cox was pleased with the run and believes his colt can mix it with the cream of the sprinting crop.

“He ran a really nice race and there is still a bit of fine- tuning and work to do, but we are very much positive about the performanc­e,” said Cox.

“I’m encouraged by the way he has come out of the race; the winner was very impressive, but I feel we can improve on our performanc­e.

“He was very keen early, there’s no two ways about it, he was very fresh and well in himself and we have work to do. But you have to take encouragem­ent – and the way he finished, despite his keenness, makes me very positive about finding the required improvemen­t.

“He’s shown an understand­ing with the track at Newmarket when winning the July Stakes last year and I’m very happy summer ground is what he appreciate­s.

“With three- year- olds having a very strong record in the July Cup, I’m very keen we follow that path.”

Cox was also pleased with the performanc­e of Kerdos, who was a creditable fifth in the King Charles III Stakes on the opening day of the Royal meeting. It was a display which backed up his win in Haydock’s Temple Stakes on easier ground and connection­s will continue to aim high with the improving four- year- old.

“He ran a really nice race and the quicker surface was probably the difference between the outcome there and the Temple,” Cox said. “It was a very solid performanc­e and he has come out of the race really well. I think he can continue running in these good races.”