Prix de LAbbaye Preview: Sole to Power home

Sole Power has won only twice since his shock Nunthorpe success
Timeform's Tony McFadden tackles Sunday's Prix de L'Abbaye and is in a confident mood...
Having been asked to dissect intimidating events such as the Ayr Gold Cup and Cambridgeshire of late, where it seems only fair to point out that I failed miserably, it makes a nice change to tackle a race where I have a strong opinion. Quite simply, Sole Power, granted an easy five furlongs and a sound underfoot surface, is a genuine Group 1 performer in an era where not many European sprinters can put forward such a claim.
Many punters develop an attachment to horses that have secured them financial success; I'm sure that Sole Power's 2010 Nunthorpe Stakes victory at a remarkable Betfair SP of 262.85 has forever endeared him to a couple of lucky punters. However, having only bought into the notion that Sole Power was a real top-notch performer after his Temple Stakes victory in May 2011, from which he then proceeded to go on an 11-run and 16-month losing streak, I can scarcely recall a horse that I have lost more money on (obviously betting without Dandy Man, the bane of many a gambler's life).
Membership to the Sole Power appreciation society has therefore been an expensive one, but Sunday provides us with the opportunity to get it all back, with the possibility of a bit of interest thrown in. Part of my bullishness derives from his recent Doncaster success, where a devastating turn of foot secured a long-overdue victory, but the main inspiration can be drawn from last year's renewal of the Prix de L'Abbaye. Having met significant trouble in-running, Edward Lynam's talented sprinter finished with a real flourish, narrowly failing to rescue a seemingly hopeless cause and going down as a most unfortunate loser.
Five-furlong affairs at Longchamp take place on a chute separate from the main course and it is fair to say that not everyone is a fan, notably viewers at home watching in a state of confusion, wondering when the winning post will suddenly appear in camera shot and crush their lingering hopes of success. And it is not only the spectators' enjoyment which is affected by the course; the draw can often be a significant factor. Writing this preview before such information is known, it would seem prudent to discuss some of the more likely challengers, despite my obvious inclination that Sole Power will prove to be a tough nut to crack.
Still progressing, it is entirely possible that Swiss Spirit will take this step up to the top level in his stride, entering this contest on the back of a Group 3 victory at Newbury. Having always displayed plenty of pace, the drop to five furlongs appeared to elicit improvement as he registered a career-best effort, despite wasting energy following a false start and racing keenly in the early stages. Some will point to his rivals encountering trouble in-running, but the salient point, in regards to his prospects on Sunday, is that he is a young, progressive sprinter who remains capable of better having found his optimum distance.
A convincing winner of the July Cup on extremely testing ground, Mayson is likely to have his supporters after turning that prestigious prize into a mere procession. However, the Prix de L'Abbaye, run over a furlong shorter and almost certainly on quicker ground, will provide a different test for Richard Fahey's Group 1-winning colt. The fact that he had to miss the Sprint Cup due to a dirty scope and, therefore, hasn't had the best preparation registers as a further negative and, on balance, he is passed over.
Spirit Quartz is another who brings Group 1 form to the table, only denied top-level honours by Ortensia's late challenge in the Nunthorpe Stakes. The worry is that he was seen to maximum effect on that occasion, well-positioned in an event where many of the market principals, including Sole Power, were disadvantaged by racing away from the pace. Spirit Quartz has consistently made the frame this year and it is difficult to see him not launching another bold bid, but it would be no surprise were he to unable to match Sole Power or Swiss Spirit in the closing stages.
Bizarrely, for a premier event staged in France, Wizz Kid is the only French-trained entrant. She has certain pieces of form that would give her a decent chance, notably her win over the minimum trip at Chantilly in June, showing plenty of pace to recover from an unpromising position. However, she has been operating at below her best recently, never threatening in the Sprint Cup at Haydock when last seen. A return to her best cannot be ruled out, but others hold stronger claims based on their recent form.
Entering this contest on the back of a visually-impressive victory, Sole Power appears to have plenty in his favour and can atone for last year's unlucky defeat. He has put together a string of smart performances this term and, granted a trouble-free passage, can prevail, gaining a deserved second Group 1 win in the process.
Recommendation:
Back Sole Power to win the Prix de L'Abbaye
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