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Eddie Lynam is putting the finishing touches to stable stalwart Sole Power ahead of his bid for a second victory in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Saturday.
The five-time Group One winner may be getting on in years at the age of nine, but he showed he retains plenty of talent and speed when flying home to finish a close third in the Meydan Sprint at the start of the month, his traditional warm-up race for World Cup night.
As well as winning the Al Quoz Sprint 12 months ago, Sole Power has run with credit at Meydan on numerous occasions and Lynam is looking forward to seeing him do battle in the desert once more.
After seeing his charge stretch his legs on the all-weather training track on Tuesday morning, the trainer said: "He trains himself really and has done a steady canter and quickened up for the last 400 metres.
"The plan is to give him a workout tomorrow on the main grass track and that will be him sorted for Saturday."
Sole Power is the only Irish-trained representative in a 14-strong field.
The British challenge is headed by the William Haggas-trained Muthmir, who finished third on his return to action in the Hever Sprint at Lingfield last month.
With owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's retained rider Paul Hanagan siding with former Haggas inmate Ertijaal, Dane O'Neill will take the ride on Muthmir, who emerged from the quarantine area for the first time on Tuesday for an easy six-furlong canter on the main dirt track under work rider Jason Favell.
Sheikh Hamdan's racing manager Angus Gold said: " He looks really good, bright and well.
"In fact, it's the best I've ever seen him at this time of year."