The Usual Suspects

THE USUAL SUSPECTS 
Europe’s major sprints often play host to a set of constantly re-opposing characters and today’s G1 QNB Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp is no exception, with the grizzled brigade of veterans headed by chief five- furlong specialist Sole Power (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}). Following his latest fourth in the Sept. 6 G1 Haydock Sprint Cup, it is clear that Sabena Power’s 7-year-old fails to carry his dominance over six, but his prior displays when annexing Royal Ascot’s G1 King’s Stand S. June 17 and the G1 Nunthorpe S. at York Aug. 22 suggest he has no match at this trip. The Powers and trainer Eddie Lynam have enjoyed a scarcely believable 2014 campaign and the owner’s son, bookmaker Paddy Power, is in confident mood. “We’re bullish and hopefully the sun shines until race time on Sunday and let’s hope Hughesie can weave his magic,” he told PA Sport. “It really has been an unbelievable year for us. We’re hoping our luck hasn’t run out–we want to keep it going for as long as possible.” 

Last year’s winner and Sole Power’s compatriot Maarek (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) returns with some moderate recent efforts to put behind him, including a latest 10th in the Haydock Sprint Cup, and he needs the ground to soften. “There’s a little bit of rain forecast for Saturday night and the track is in great condition,” trainer Evanna McCutcheon told PA Sport. “He’s been running good races and these sprinters take their turn in winning. He has been running well, he’s just not been finishing in place positions. It’s the Abbaye, it’s a bit of a lottery, but we’ll see.” 

One who is new on the scene is the 2-year-old Cotai Glory (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), who looks to have the raw ability to emulate the last juvenile to prevail, Sigy (Fr), in 1978. What he has in that department is tempered by his latest display when jinking and unshipping George Baker yards from the line with the G2 Flying Childers S. at his mercy at Doncaster Sept. 12. “He’s in great form and came out of the Doncaster mishap fine,” trainer Charlie Hills commented. “It’s a totally different kettle of fish taking on older horses rather than 2-year-olds, but we are pretty confident, given his conditions, he could be very competitive.”