Clive Cox hopes for Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes stardom with Kodi Bear

Kodi Bear on QIPCO British Champions Day. Will we see him back at Ascot later on this year? Image courtesy of Racingfotos.com.

Clive Cox is hopeful that his stable star Kodi Bear can justify connections’ confidence this campaign in the QIPCO British Champions Series, starting with the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury this weekend.

The four-year-old, billed as a top prospect for the year ahead, impressed throughout last season before succumbing to the mighty performance of Solow on Champions Day in the QIPCO-sponsored Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

However, only three and a half lengths behind the Series superstar, Cox excused that performance due to a minor injury sustained in the build-up and – having wintered exceptionally well – is enthused about the year ahead for Kodi Bear in the Series.

The Lambourn-based trainer said: “He’s wintered really well. We’re very happy with him and all the preparation that he has done going into Newbury.

“We planned to go here (Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes) a long way ago and we’re delighted we are ready to go now. The ground doesn’t hold any fears for us. He’s proven on a sound surface and he is very versatile. It’s great to have a horse that you don’t lose sleep over thinking about when it comes to the ground.

“Naturally, we’re full of respect for our opposition. It’s just really satisfying to have a horse going there that has a chance of getting his head in front – and we think he can this weekend.

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“He’s very special to me. We hope he is that little bit better this year and can capture that Group 1 dream.

“With any horse you take everything a step at a time, but we’ve always believed we deserve to be in the fast lane with him and we hope this is the step in the right direction.

“He’s entered in the Queen Anne Stakes at the minute and he’ll will be targeted at those types of races throughout the season if he performs well at Newbury.”