Sole has the Power to win Temple Stakes again
SOLE POWER did this column a massive favour 12 months ago when landing Haydock’s Group Two Temple Stakes and he looks to hold solid claims of notching back-to-back wins tomorrow afternoon (3.00pm) in the next instalment of the QIPCO British Champions Series.
Eddie Lynam’s five-year-old never got the credit he deserved for winning the Nunthorpe in 2010. He was 100/1 that day, but he comfortably beat Starspangledbanner, and was an impressive winner of this race last year. It’s true that he hasn’t won a race since, but his form from Meydan earlier this spring is very strong and it’s a positive that champion jockey Paul Hanagan takes over in the saddle.
Bated Breath is the main danger according to the bookmakers, but he’s only ever raced over the minimum trip once and I think there will be bigger targets for him this season. Tangerine Trees has to carry a penalty and may just struggle with race fitness, as could Masamah.
Bapak Chinta is interesting at 12/1 with Coral judged on last term’s first two runs, while Spirit Quartz is not without a chance at 25/1. Sole Power is pretty solid, though, and he should be backed at 7/2 on Betfair.
The big betting handicap tomorrow is the Betfred Silver Bowl (2.30pm) and last year’s winner Sagramor went on to land the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot. This year’s renewal looks typically competitive and I’m finding it hard to split Gabriel, Archbishop and FROG HOLLOW. Marginal preference is for the latter, who should come on for his seasonal reappearance at Newmarket and is better off at the weights with Archbishop.
Surprisingly, Jim Bolger is yet to win the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas, but he can add the prize to his CV with PARISH HALL tomorrow (3.15pm). Last year’s Dewhurst winner was scheduled to reappear in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, but was wisely withdrawn due to the soft ground. Conditions at the Curragh will be much more to his liking and a win would set up an audacious attempt at next weekend’s Investec Derby.
The fillies version takes place on Sunday and Homecoming Queen will be a hot favourite. However, her best form is with plenty of cut in the ground and I’m happy to take her on each-way with YELLOW ROSEBUD at 4/1. Dermot Weld’s daughter of Jeremy won the 1000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown last time and the trainer pulled off the same double with Bethrah two years ago.
For those of you looking for a bet this afternoon, I will be throwing a few quid each-way on PISCEAN in the 3.10pm at Goodwood. He has won three times at the course, is two from two over seven furlongs and is well-handicapped compared with his higher all-weather mark.
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HARLEQUINS
LEICESTER
SATURDAY – 3.00PM ESPN
AFTER a world record 83,761 people turned out to see a regular Aviva Premiership match back in March, it is safe to say that it has been quite a season for English club rugby. It is a fitting finale to see the deservedly top two sides, Harlequins and Leicester Tigers, contest the play-off final in the May sunshine at Twickenham tomorrow.
Only a single point separated the sides come the end of the campaign, Harlequins edging it ahead of the Tigers, but it is the east Midlands outfit that are favourites for the 2012 crown at 2/5 with Coral. Quins can be backed at 11/5 with the same firm.
Those prices are no surprise when you consider the recent history of the two teams. Leicester are the most successful club in the professional era and will make their eighth successive final appearance since 2005. They have only won three trophies from these matches, but all of those have come in the last five years.
Also in support of Leicester is their run of eight straight victories to finish the season, plus an additional win over Saracens in the semi-final. Leicester’s experience and superb current win streak carries more weight than the season-long superiority and team spirit of Quins. So, backing the favourites with a six-point handicap at 10/11 with Coral is recommended.
The key to the Tigers’ game has always been their attacking prowess and that bears out in the 671 points scored during the season, 120 more than their opponents. There seems little downside to buying total points at 46 with Sporting Index.
Although Quins will perhaps set themselves up more defensively, both the London club and Leicester have able kickers in Nick Evans and Toby Flood respectively, and recent meetings have been high scoring. A total of 45 points were scored in Quins’ victory at Welford Road while the meeting at the Twickenham Stoop last month finished 43-33 to Tigers.