Lynam happy with hat-trick seeking Sole Power

Eddie Lynam says Sole Power is in good shape for his historic bid to win the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot for third time.

Sole Power became the 11th horse to land the 5f sprint for a second time last year but none of the previous ten managed to complete the hat-trick.

He is set to face 17 rivals on Tuesday afternoon as the five-day meeting gets underway and Lynam says he is ready to go.

“His training has gone great and we’re ticking off the days,” said the County Meath handler.

“We’re very happy with him and he loves the place. I know it’s a big ask (to win three in a row), but we’re very hopeful.”

Sole Power had his prep race in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in May where he finished sixth. Having never previously won over the 6f trip, Lynam was not deterred by that effort and will go to Ascot full of hope.

Champion jockey Richard Hughes will once again be in the plate as he looks to gain a second career victory in King’s Stand having guided Sole Power home 12 month ago.

Chief amongst the opposition for Tuesday’s race will be Aussie raider Shamal Wind for trainer Robert Smerdon.

He will be attempting to enhance Australia‘s rich tradition in the King’s Stand, with horses from down under having scored four times in the previous 12 renewals. Smerdon has secured the services of Ryan Moore for the Ascot Group 1.

The William Haggas-trained Muthmir, winner of Group 2 in France last month, is set to lead the home challenge while France will be represented by Rangali and Spirit Quartz.