Slade rocks in Sprint

Slade Power held off Jack Dexter in an exciting finish to the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

Trainer Eddie Lynam, who won the King’s Stand Stakes with Sole Power at Royal Ascot in June, has huge strength in depth in the sprinting division and also saddled the third home, Viztoria.

The testing conditions were in Slade Power’s favour here as the 7-1 chance was always prominent down the centre of the track under Wayne Lordan.

He ended up drifting towards the rail when Jack Dexter challenged, but still seized the day by a neck.

Viztoria was another three and a quarter lengths behind the determined winner.

Hoof It forced the early pace, but with two furlongs to run it was Slade Power and Jack Dexter who were clearly travelling better than most.

Last year’s winner Maarek, the 7-2 favourite, badly missed the kick and was always fighting a losing battle.

Jack Dexter looked for a long while as if he would overhaul the winner, but Lynam’s four-year-old dug deep.

Lordan said: “He’s done nothing wrong all year, but he’s met a few good horses.

“Every horse has their day and today is this fellow’s day.”

Owner Sabina Power, who also bred the horse, said: ``He stays in training, the breeders are chasing but we get a whole load of enjoyment.''

Her son, Paddy Power, said: “We were pretty hopeful, but we thought Maarek would be hard to beat.

“Though we’d won on soft we didn’t know how he’d handle it today.

“Wayne brought him over to the rail and that proved key.”

Trainer Jim Goldie said of Jack Dexter: “The six furlongs just stretches his stamina, he’s getting like his dad (Orientor) and getting quicker as he gets older.

“He did everything right but had nothing to run with on this side.

“He’s run a great race and we’ll come back next year.”

Lynam said of the winner: ``We like going on planes and if he got an invite to Hong Kong he'd go. If he doesn't, he'd go to Dubai.

“Viztoria ran a very good race – she will be put away for the year.

“Possibly six (furlongs) was a bit short for her, but I’m proud of her.”