Muthmir Magic To Shine Through In King’s Stand

Trainer, Edward Lynam, certainly knows what it takes to land Tuesday’s big 5f sprint, the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes (3.40), having won it for the last two years with Sole Power, who returns once more in a bid for a historic treble.

Sole Power King For A Third Time?
Punters have been behind the evergreen 8yo achieving the feat too, as he is the 7/2 favourite to come home in front under Richard Hughes, who delivered him late to win by over 1l 12 month ago. Another Group 1 was added in Dubai three months ago, prior to flopping in the mud in Ireland, last month, but with the sun set to shine on Ascot, the return to faster conditions will suit.

While shorter in price than in previous years, that could still prove a good sign based on past trends, as those from the fancied end of the market dominated…

Trends Summary
Of the last 10 King’s Stand winners…

10 were drawn 14 or lower
10 were non-Irish bred
9 returned 12/1 or shorter – those bigger were only 1-119
9 were males
E Lynam won it twice

Muthmir Looks Ready
While there will be plenty willing Sole Power to win, there will also be plenty of supporters for Willie Haggas’ improving 5yo, Muthmir (4/1).

Having mopped up some big sprint handicaps last term, Muthmir stepped up to land a French Group 2 a few weeks ago (5f, good to soft), and his ability to handle both fast and slower ground could be an asset should any rain arrive.

Aussie Challenge
Let’s not forget the Australian challenger, Shamal Wind (8/1), winner of a Group 1 at Caulfield on his last outing in February (5.5f, good). Although respected, this mare has to overcome the fact females have struggled in this down the years.

That also goes for Michael Dods’ filly, Mecca’s Angel (7/1). This 4yo has won five of her last six races, including two Group 3’s the last two times, and is clearly going the right way, but needs the soft ground to be at her best.

Each-Way Biggies
Of the bigger prices, G Force is an interesting contender at 14/1, having won Haydock’s Group 1 Sprint Cup in September (6f, good), and served notice he would’ve gone closer when clocked on his reappearance in a Group 2 back there last month. He handles 5f and looks overpriced.

Another at a big price is David Barron’s 6yo, Pearl Secret (16/1), who was beaten 5l in this last year (good), but arrives in good form having won a Group 2 at Haydock last month. If rain does arrive this week, then his chance will increase.

Recommended Bets
With the ground likely to be on the firmer side, it could be Muthmir who benefits the most. Clearly improving, a stiff 6f and fast pace will be ideal for him to show his very best.

*Prices correct at time of publication.