Sole Power has bounced back to his best form to land the Temple Stakes at Haydock as the “Budapest Bullet” Overdose failed to fire.
Keagan Latham was always travelling comfortably on Edward Lynam’s Nunthorpe Stakes winner and pounced in the final half furlong (100m).
The 8-1 shot won by three-quarters of a length from last year’s winner Kingsgate Native (7-2), with Prohibit (12-1) third.
Overdose’s jockey Andreas Suborics felt conditions went against the Hungarian star who finished seventh.
“He really needs softer ground,” Suborics said.
“After halfway I felt his legs tire and tire.
“He stumbled out of the gate but he was soon going fast. He just didn’t kick like he usually does.
“He deserves another chance to show the public he is a really good sprinter on softer ground.”
Winning trainer Lynham said Sole Power would head to Royal Ascot before defending his Nunthorpe crown.
“He’ll go to the posh place for the King’s Stand, but the race we want to win again is the Nunthorpe,” he said.
Chris Richardson, racing manager for Kingsgate Native’s owners, Cheveley Park Stud, said the result was pleasing.
“We are very happy with that,” Richardson said.
“Ryan (Moore) said the draw didn’t help him, but it’s nice to see the horse back.
“He’ll go to Royal Ascot next for either the King’s Stand or the Golden Jubilee.
“As six furlongs (1200m) stretches him just a bit, I would say it would be the King’s Stand.”
PA AAP TURF
