Lynam issues Power warning

Eddie Lynam has warned punters his stable star Sole Power is not at peak fitness ahead of his run in the Abergwaun Stakes at Tipperary on Friday.

The four-year-old was a 100-1 winner of the Nunthorpe at York 12 months ago but has proved that to be no fluke this season, winning Haydock’s Temple Stakes before running a creditable eighth in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot.

Sole Power was notably beaten into fifth in this Tipperary Listed prize last season and Lynam is just looking to get a run into his charge before he defends his Nunthorpe crown on August 19.

“He’s in good form and while he’ll be there doing his best, this race is really a stepping-stone for York,” said Lynam.

“He’s got to carry a big penalty tomorrow and he wasn’t even in the first three in the race last year.

“We’re just hoping he has a nice run. He’s had a break and I’m sure he’ll come on for it and hopefully improve ahead of the Nunthorpe as he did last year.”

The David Nicholls-trained Inxile, David Barron’s Group Therapy and Move In Time for Bryan Smart’s yard all make the journey to Ireland from Britain.

The latter has yet to finish outside the first three in 2011 and his Thirsk-based handler is hoping for a bold show.

“I couldn’t be more happy with him and he’s in good order,” said Smart.

“The ground should be nice enough and we’ll see how we go.”