Temple Stakes: Streak looks too Hot to handle

Hot Streak and Sole Power renew rivalry in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock today (2.40), and the former looks to have everything in his favour to come out on top.

The pair met for the first time in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newamrket earlier in the month, when Sole Power emerged victorious in a blanket finish.

Hot Streak was beaten 3/4 of a length into third, but there are reasons to believe that the Kevin Ryan trained colt can gain his revenge.

The son of Iffraj travelled like the best horse for much of the contest, racing on the heels of the leaders until making good headway two from home to lead inside the final furlong.

However, lack of race fitness then toook it’s toll and Hot Streak was unable to find any extra in the last 50 yards to repel Sole Power’s finishing thrust.

It was a terrific effort given that it was Hot Streak’s first run since October, whereas Sole Power went into the contest race fit following a campaign in Dubai.

With that run under his belt, Hot Streak is sure to strip much fitter and now meets the winner on 2lb better terms.

That may well be enough to see the placing reversed, and the booking of the in-form Oisin Murphy looks a positive one for the Qatar-owned colt.

Sole Power is undoubtedly the one that Hot Streak has to fear most.

The Edward Lynam trained seven-year-old is a class act, and arguably the best sprinter in Europe.

The son of Kyllachy also has a good record in the race having won it 2011, finished runner-up in 2012, and fourth behind Kingsgate Native 12 months ago.

Sole Power also showed he was as good as ever last season when beating Shea Shea in the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, and his level of form sets the bar for his rivals to aim at.

Last year’s winner Kingsgate Native, who finished a 1/2 length runner-up to Sole Power in the Place House, also commands plenty of respect.