Cowell hopeful for his Betfred Temple Stakes duo

Sole Power defeats Kingsgate Native in the Pearl Bloodstock Palace House Stakes at Newmarket three weeks ago. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

The first sprint in this year’s QIPCO British Champions Series, the Betfred Temple Stakes, sees the 2011 winner and 2012 runner-up, Sole Power, come up against the 2010 winner and 2011 runner-up, Kingsgate Native, and one of last year’s top two-year-olds, the unbeaten Reckless Abandon.

One of Europe’s top sprinters, Sole Power proved his well-being when beating Kingsgate Native a length in the Pearl Bloodstock Palace House Stakes three weeks ago.

Also in the 12-strong field is the 2011 Prix de l’Abbaye winner, Tangerine Trees, the 2012 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes runner-up, Spirit Quartz, and recent Chester winner, Ballista.

Tangerine Trees was third in the Pearl Bloodstock Palace House Stakes with Spirit Quartz fifth.

Newmarket trainer, Robert Cowell, who saddles both Kingsgate Native and Spirit Quartz in the Betfred Temple Stakes, said: “If the Kingsgate Native we all know and adore shows up with his head screwed on, he will be bang there at the finish.

"He has improved on his run at Newmarket where he ran well.

“Spirit Quartz ran similarly this year as he did last year in the Palace House Stakes, not handling the track.

"He is in good form and is Group 1 class as he proved last year and definitely deserves his chance in the line-up.

“I really couldn’t say which one I favour as they both have a good chance.”