As is so often the case in Group One sprints, the market for Saturday’s July Cup at Newmarket is dominated by two horses who ran blinders last time out – Diamond Jubilee second Brazen Beau and Commonwealth Cup winner Muhaarar. With quick ground forecast and the same six furlong trip, they’re worthy favourites. However, this is a division where winners change hands often and Sole Power, at 20/1, has been given a huge price on account of a couple of below-par performances and struggles beyond five furlongs.
With dry weather forecast, the horse, who skipped last year’s renewal on account of soft ground, has been confirmed for Saturday. The opposition is tough but in Sole Power we are talking about one ot this generation’s outstanding sprinters. It seems excessive to suggest he’s past his best because of two poor runs – when favourite for the King’s Stand and on soft ground over six furlongs at the Curragh – considering he’s already notched a Group One at Meydan in March.
At 20/1 this is the biggest price he’s been for years. He should get his ground and this is his time of year. Despite years of evidence pointing to the stiff six furlongs being a major concern, this is a class horse and, with some luck in the running, it’d be no surprise to see him run a huge race.
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