Trainer Eddie Lynam could be double handed in his bid to land the G1 July Cup for the second year running. Successful in last years Newmarket event with current Darley stallion Slade Power (Ire) (Dutch Art {GB}), Lynam is hoping to be represented July 11 by both Anthem Alexander (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and Sole Power (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}). Anthem Alexander ran a sound race in Ascot's inaugural G1 Commonwealth Cup, a run that has left Lynam somewhat perplexed. “I don't know what to make of her Royal Ascot run”, reported the Meath trainer, before adding. “She travelled like the best horse in the race, she was the last off the bridle, and I thought she was coming to win the race. But I don't know what happened after that. She'll have all the top sprinters to beat in the July Cup but we might tweak the tactics a little bit and let her take her chance at Newmarket.”
Sole Power, beaten favorite for the G1 King's Stand S. may also take his chance assuming the ground remains quick. However Lynam feels his best chance of another top level win will be in the G1 Nunthorpe S. at York in August. The trainer also had news about the very smart Agnes Stewart (Ire) (Lawman {FR}) and unfortunately it wasn't positive. “Agnes has gone wrong again and I'd say it's unlikely she'll be able to run this year. It's devastating, but we will now look at a 4-year-old campaign with her,” said Lynam. Given normal luck the filly should have been a genuine candidate for top class middle distance honors this season. As a juvenile her form featured a win in the G2 May Hill S. at Doncaster and a narrow defeat when second in the G1 Fillies' Mile at Newmarket.
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