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Cox wary of soft ground at Newbury.
Clive Cox is keeping a close eye on the weather as he weighs up the possible options for Diligent Harry .
The colt landed the three-year-old division of the All-Weather Championships at Lingfield on Good Friday, posting an impressive victory to follow up his two previous wins in three outings.
Diligent Harry is entered in Saturday's BetVictor Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury, with the Group Two Casumo Bet10 Get10 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock a week later as an alternative if the ground is not suitable in Berkshire.
Cox said: "The form of the all-weather race looks quite a bit stronger than it did before. His progress from January until then was very impressive.
"We liked him a lot last year, but he did need a bit more time as he just went a bit sore in his training – it was nothing more than that. He is a wonderful horse to deal with.
"We have had a little bit of a breather since Lingfield, and he has thrived for that. I'm happy that he is ready and strong to keep going. He will be up in grade again, but the form of Lingfield looks supportive to our progress as well.
"The Carnarvon Stakes was a race we picked out as a logical target. But all the rain might just hinder our progress, because if it is too soft he won't be going.
"The Sandy Lane then comes on to the radar. If that is the case we would be keen on running him in the Commonwealth Cup, and hopefully that will be the case.
"I think we have got a very exciting future with this horse if we keep progressing in the way we can."
The Casumo Best Odds Guaranteed Heron Stakes at Sandown is on the agenda for Cox's Nando Parrado, after he finished fourth in last month's Greenham Stakes.
A shock 150-1 winner at Royal Ascot last year, Nando Parrado was twice placed at Group One level subsequently – and Cox maintains faith in his ability.
He added: "Paul McCartan (owner) is very much in tune with everything and he came up with the idea, because there are still hurdles with racing in another country due to Covid-19 – and with him having lost his Group Two penalty, an outing in the Heron Stakes would be a good stepping stone back to where we want to be.
"All of us are of the opinion it wasn't a fluke in the Coventry. It was the best form around at the time, and he has backed that up with solid Group One performances in defeat in the Morny and Lagardere. It would be nice to take a step forward with a one by his name, and keep building as the season progresses.
"I was delighted with his run in the Greenham. He hit the line really well. I would like to see him win over a mile – that would really form our plans for the rest of the season, which is why we have to drop down to Listed company in the Heron."
