3 minute read

Eddie Lynam fires a formidable twin assault on Saturday's Darley July Cup, with multiple Group One winner Sole Power joined by young stable companion Anthem Alexander on the trip to Newmarket.

Sole Power was last seen finishing fifth when bidding for an historic King's Stand Stakes hat-trick, while Anthem Alexander was third in the Commonwealth Cup.

"I have not done much with either of them since Ascot and have just tried to freshen them up, but they both seem very well," said Lynam.

"Sole Power ran well in a very good July Cup two years ago, finishing fifth, beaten in a photo for third, and though he has never won over six furlongs, he's finished in the frame in a Haydock Sprint Cup and been second in a Group One in Hong Kong over this trip.

"They just didn't go the end-to-end gallop that he needs at Ascot. He owes us nothing and we are not afraid to lose.

"Anthem Alexander is trying to become the first three-year-old filly to win this race since Habibti (1983) so it's a big ask for her and it looks hard for her to reverse Ascot form with Muhaarar.

"But she is a Group Three and Group Two winner who has twice been placed at Group One level so we felt that this is the right race for her."

Last season's Sprint Cup hero G Force ran no sort of race in the King's Stand and trainer David O'Meara is hoping he can bounce back to form.

He said: "He disappointed big time at Ascot, he's gone there twice now and bombed both times, the two worst runs of his career.

"We galloped him the other day and he went nicely so we still think the ability and the engine is as good as ever.

"Danny (Tudhope) was really happy with him in the Temple Stakes until he got hampered. It's six rather than five furlongs, I just hope the ground isn't too fast, that would be a little concern.

"Brazen Beau looked good at Ascot, but apart from that you're looking at Tropics and the rest and we've beaten them already."

Trainer Mick Appleby has gone to the trouble of booking Frankie Dettori to partner Danzeno, who finished a close third in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle two weeks ago.

"He's in good order and we're hoping he'll run a big race," said Appleby.

"He was unlucky at Newcastle. He never got the run of the race, but there should be plenty of pace on this weekend, which will suit him.

"It's great to have Frankie on board. He's never won the race before and I'm sure he'll be keen to win it if he can."

Kevin Ryan's Astaire has won three times at Newmarket and the trainer feels his four-year-old is an interesting outsider after finishing third in the Diamond Jubilee.

Ryan said: "He's been overlooked again. He came out of Ascot in great order, he ran a fine race there. Jamie (Spencer) just wishes in hindsight that he'd followed Frankie through on the winner.

"It was nice to see him a little off the bridle for once as that meant he was relaxed, he's usually doing too much as all he wants to do is please you. I think we learned a lot about him the last day."

Jack Dexter journeys south from Scotland after finishing seventh in the King's Stand.

Trainer Jim Goldie said: "Hopefully the ground doesn't dry out too much, although he handled the good to firm ground quite well at Ascot. Providing it's safe we'll be happy enough.

"He's fresh and well, the extra furlong won't do him any harm and we've been targeting this race with him.

"He hasn't had the rub of the green much this year, but hopefully he'll run a big race if things go his way."