Coppull bidding to strengthen Commonwealth Cup claims

Clive Cox unearthed one Commonwealth Cup contender when Song Of The Clyde downed Albert Einstein – and Coppull will get the chance to cement his claims in the William Hill Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on Saturday.

The Lambourn handler saddled former Group One star Harry Angel to win the Group Two event in 2017 and after last year’s Richmond Stakes hero and Middle Park third made a winning return in the Pavilion Stakes at Ascot, he is hopeful of more success in a race that has attracted 11 entries.

“Coppull is a wonderful horse I’m thrilled to have on my hands,” said Cox.

“I couldn’t have been more with his win at Ascot and at the moment everything leads towards the Sandy Lane.

“Obviously the weather is quite changeable and he likes top of the ground, but the back-end of the week looks like being quite warm.

“I think first time out he was very pleasing and hopefully he can produce a similar performance.”

William Haggas’ Division was a fast-finishing third behind Coppull at Ascot and could be in opposition once again, as could Aidan O’Brien’s Brussels, well held in sixth last time, but ahead of Coppull at Newmarket last autumn.

Also part of the opposition to Coppull is Karl Burke’s star juvenile from last term Venetian Sun, who returns to the sprinting ranks having failed to see out the mile in the 1000 Guineas, while similar sentiments also apply to Michael Bell’s Spicy Marg.

There is also sprinting action on the card in the William Hill Temple Stakes, where 16 have stood their ground after confirmations.

Cox is once again well-represented among the possible cast by the ultra-consistent Shagraan who was third to Night Raider on his return in the Palace House Stakes, with the duo in line to lock horns once again.

“It’s the plan to go to Haydock. He’s a very reliable performer and I was very happy with his run at Newmarket,” said Cox. “This is a logical next step for us.”

Another notable name that could head to Merseyside is Royal Ascot and Nunthorpe winner Asfoora, who lacked for race-sharpness behind the aforementioned at Newmarket but could take a step forward on her second start for Lemos de Souza before returning to the care of Henry Dwyer ahead of the Royal meeting.

Robert Cowell’s recent York handicap winner Jakajaro has been confirmed, as has Ed Walker’s defending champion Mgheera and the John and Sean Quinn-trained Jm Jungle, winner of the King George Stakes at Goodwood and fourth in the Palace House.

“Jm Jungle is in good form. He’s in the Temple Stakes and I think that’s the plan, there is also the Achilles Stakes the week after at Haydock,” said Sean Quinn.

“I think the lads who own him and ourselves are maybe leaning towards the Temple at the moment, but both are options.

“I thought he ran well at Newmarket, he’s never won first time up, so to run fourth in that race was a good run.”