The hat-trick hero? Sole Power’s bid for Royal Ascot history

Sole Power (left) cruises to his second King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. Image courtesy of Racingfotos.com.

Here are a few numbers for you.

48 – races run in his career.

11 – contests won.

Five – Group 1 victories.

Two – King’s Stand Stakes triumphs at Royal Ascot.

One Sole Power!

2015 could be the year that the Edward Lynam-trained sprinter is concretely etched in racing’s rich tapestry of champions.

Despite 11 horses in the King’s Stand Stakes’ history to win the contest twice, no horse has ever managed to notch up a treble of victories.

But, that doesn’t make it impossible. After all, Sole Power has never conformed to the norm.

As a three-year-old, he held at bay the charge of Golden Jubilee Stakes and Darley July Cup winner Starspangledbanner in the 2010 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at huge odds of 100/1.

Not bad for a ‘plucky Irish horse’ with connections fancying their chances.

Over the space of the next five years, Sole Power would comfortably secure his credibility as a leading sprint king. Al Quoz Sprint success in Dubai, as well another Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes triumph, followed two King’s Stand Stakes wins at Royal Ascot.

His first was in 2013. Left in the market as the fourth favourite at 8/1, under a superb ride by jockey Johnny Murtagh, Sole Power powered home late on to chin South African runner Shea Shea in a nail-biting finish.

Then, under new rider Champion Jockey Richard Hughes, Sole Power did the double a season later.

Becoming the first horse to win back-to-back renewals of the opening day Royal Ascot sprint contest since 1934, the Sabine Power-owned star was given a world-class ride to swoop late – and swoop late in style he did.

Tracking the pacemakers, Hughes waited for the closing stages to set Sole Power on his way and he delivered success with aplomb – cruising to win by one and a quarter lengths.

But, 2015 could be the year that the eight-year-old becomes a history maker and not just a fans’ favourite.

Three victories in the King’s Stand Stakes would ensure he would forever be regarded as a sprint king.

Come what may, Australia are likely to send the speedy Shamal Wind to line up against the progressive William Haggas-trained speedster Muthmir and Group 3 champion Mecca’s Angel among others.