Having opened Royal Ascot 2013 with a memorable Group One success with Sole Power, trainer Eddie Lynam could have the resources to close the meeting with another top-flight sprint victory courtesy of Slade Power in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Like his better-known stablemate, Slade Power is owned by the Power family of bookmaking renown but has to concede in terms of profile and achievement to the King’s Stand Stakes winner.
However, it is worth remembering Sole Power was an unconsidered 100/1 when he leapt to fame in the 2010 Nunthorpe and 'Slade' isn't going to be any triple-figure outsider in a race which has again attracted overseas speedsters but probably not the absolute cream of Australia and America.
Frankie Dettori is on the US hope Havelock while Ryan Moore is on the triple Group One-winning Aussie, Sea Siren. However, South Africa's Shea Shea is generally rated their superior and he couldn't cope with Lynam's star on Tuesday.
Instead it is the home-grown 2011 Golden Jubilee winner Society Rock that tops the betting but he has to cope with a handful of Irish hopes, the most profile of which are probably Gordon Lord Byron and Maarek.
The latter doesn’t look like getting his preferred soft going while seven furlongs looks like Gordon Lord Byron’s best trip. In contrast both ground and trip look perfect for Slade Power who was well backed to win the Greenlands at the Curragh even with Lynam’s belief he would progress for the run.
In the event, Slade Power didn't get a trouble-free passage and wound up third to Hitchens. With improvement from that, and a clear passage, Slade Power could complete a week of a lifetime for his Co Meath based trainer.
Jim Bolger's Freedom Square should strike for the Coolcullen yard in the opening Chesham Stakes.
