More Slade Power Success – Weekend Review

There was something for everyone to enjoy over the weekend courtesy of some top class action from Newmarket, Leopardstown and York, where several performances stood out in terms of the future.

Headlining on Saturday was the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket where Slade Power justified heavy support in delivering for punters once more. That victory for Edward Lynam’s star sprinter confirmed him as the leading speedster in Europe, but Lynam stated afterwards that world dominance now awaits.

The stage chosen for Slade Power to be crowned the best in the world is in Melbourne via the $1m VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington on November 8,

…so make a date in your diary now, as he could represent value against the Australian runners.

Eyecatchers
While Slade Power’s impressive display made the headlines, it’s worth glancing back to third place in the July Cup for future profits as John Gosden’s Gregorian – a Group 2 winner over 7f – took stepping back to sprinting and could be an interesting runner for the second half of the season.

This was only his first crack at 6f on his 22nd career outing, and the fact he showed speed to hit the front inside the final furlong (beaten just over 1l) shows he has pace for races like the Haydock Sprint Cup in September, where Slade Power could be absent.

Elsewhere, in the John Smith’s Cup at York, Queensbury Rules could be a name to monitor having picked up well to finish seventh (of 16) in a race not suited to those coming from behind. This was only the 4yo’s second outing this season, and with just nine runs on the clock, he could have a big handicap in him, possibly at Glorious Goodwood or even the Cambridgeshire further down the line.

2,000 Guineas
Newmarket’s July meeting also produced arguably the best 2yo performance of the season so far when Ivawood won the Group 2 July Stakes, leaving Richard Hannon to make comparisons with Toronado. While quotes of 16/1 may tempt some for next year’s 2,000 Guineas, the July Stakes hasn’t been the best pointer for that Classic down the years, and it could be worth holding fire until his next target in the Gimcrack Stakes at York.

Hannon also sent out Estidhkaar at Newmarket to win the Group 2 Superlative Stakes, and he could be more interesting for the 2,000 Guineas at 20/1, though in the short-term, he could go for Glorious Goodwood’s Vintage Stakes, a race the yard have won for the last four years.

Talking of Goodwood, Integral heads back for the Nassau Stakes having impressed in landing the Falmouth Stakes at HQ, and arguably may have won the Nassau last year but for trouble in running. She could put the record straight in a few weeks’ time.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The sun may still be shining, but it won’t long until the Arc de Triomphe on the first Sunday of October is upon us, where The Grey Gatsby’s chances took a blow when defeated in France at the weekend. However, it was Andre Fabre’s winner, Gallante, who impressed in travelling well and is open to progress following just a handful of runs. Should he win next time, then his 33/1 odds may tumble.