Confidence in Slade well justified

Slade Power was hammered from a morning offer of 7/4 into 11/10 for the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden at Dundalk and he duly delivered. The son of Dutch Art made light of a 194 day absence in the hands of Pat Smullen.

The Eddie Lynam-trained and Sabina Power-owned and bred juvenile travelled with real purpose throughout and ultimately he was always going to beat Harry Trotter once Smullen woke him up.

Lynam said: "We've always liked him. About the 7th of July though, he sprung a curb (soft tissue injury on a hind leg).

"That wasn't career ending or anything but it did mean he'd need two months box rest. It just couldn't have happened at a worse time in the year.

"Thankfully he's come back fresh and well and he's one to look forward to for next year.

"He's the first horse Sabina (bookmaker David Power's wife) has bred so it's a good start."

Of course Mrs Power's silks have been carried with distinction by Nunthorpe winner Sole Power. He is due to go for the big sprint in Hong Kong on December 11th. (AM & EM)