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Punchestown 2024
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Sole Power Sprint Stakes preview
Beckford - back in Ireland
© Photo Healy Racing
Paul Midgley can see “no negatives” ahead of Final Venture rsquo;s trip to Ireland for the Sole Power Sprint Stakes at Naas on Sunday.
The seven-year-old is without a win since June 2017, but since then he has kept some lofty company.
He proved he was as good as ever when going close in the Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh on his reappearance, and Midgley believes he has plenty in his favour.
“His first run back was excellent, it was a solid run on a track that maybe doesn’t play to his strengths,” said North Yorkshire-based Midgley.
“He was giving the winner lumps of weight, it was a good performance and nice to see him back to be honest.
“He’s come out of that in great form and Naas should suit him, it’s a stiff five furlongs, which I think is his perfect trip, the ground is fine and there are no negatives.
“If he’s good enough he’ll win, if he’s not he won’t.”
Taking him on is the Gordon Elliott-trained Beckford who had a spell in America after proving to be a smart juvenile.
Now back with his original trainer, Elliott feels he may take time to get back into his old routine.
“He’s in good shape and is ready to start off for the season,” said Elliott.
“It’s his first run for a good while, so I’d be expecting him to come on for it, but I’d still be hoping to see him run a good race.
“We’ll see how he gets on here before making plans.”
Last year’s Queen Mary runner-up Gossamer Wings runs for Aidan O’Brien, along with Fantasy and All The King’s Men.