Diligent Harry aims to become the first horse to win two different races on Finals Day, having previously taken the 3 Year Old All-Weather Championships in 2021.
The G3 runner-up has form to turn around with Annafafter going down by a neck in the Listed BetUK Kachy Stakes at Lingfield Park in February, his first appearance since a gelding operation.
Diligent Harry impressed next time out when successfully conceding weight all round in a six-furlong handicap at Newcastle but was let down by a tack issue on his latest start as he came home ninth in the Prix Anabaa at Chantilly.
Cox said: “Diligent Harry won nicely up at Newcastle and then we took him over to France for his third qualifying run but sadly the saddle slipped, so there was nothing we could do about that.
“I am pleased to say that he has been in good order since then. There are no negatives with the track, given that he is a course and distance winner, and I would be very hopeful that he can put his best foot forward.”
Positiveproduced some high-class efforts as a juvenile in 2019, finishing second to Pinatubo in Goodwood’s G2 Vintage Stakes prior to claiming the scalp of subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner Kameko in the G3 Solario Stakes.
The son of Dutch Art has not had much racing since but looks firmly on the comeback trail following a pair of class two handicap victories this season, most recently getting up in the final stride at Kempton Park in February.
Cox, who has saddled four winners from 11 runners on the all-weather at Newcastle, added: “Positive has a bit of confidence after his last two wins and I see no reason why the straight mile and stiff finish should not suit him.
“He is a horse that we have a very high opinion of from his two-year-old days and it was great to see him produce two consistent, honest performances this season.
“It is nice to be heading up to Newcastle with two decent chances and our record there generally is pretty good.”
