Clive Cox retains faith in Kodi Bear despite defeat in QEII at Ascot

Clive Cox has not lost any faith in Kodi Bear despite a slightly disappointing showing in Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

The three-year-old came into the Group One contest in a rich vein of form following summer successes in the Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury and the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, but beat just one horse home, albeit beaten less than four lengths by the brilliant Solow.

Cox feels the fact his stable star had been off the track since late August led to him not running up to his best, but is confident he will prove his worth next season.

"I think he went there a bit too fresh and he was keen early on in the race. I think that was visible," said the Lambourn handler.

"He was still only beaten three and three-quarter lengths by the best around at the moment and with another winter on his back, I'm still confident he's definitely a top-class horse.

"It was just one of those things, but he's a horse everyone here has always held in high regard and it's not too difficult to see him making his mark at the top level next season."