POWER CRAZY
Tim eyes up Group One sprint double
TIM EASTERBY is gunning for more Group One sprint glory when he saddles Art Power in Saturday’s Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.
The northern trainer celebrated top-level success with Winter Power in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York just 10 days ago.
It was a poignant victory as his uncle Mick had landed the prize 45 years ago with Lochnager.
As for more celebrations with Art Power, who like Winter Power runs for the King Power ownership, Easterby said: “He’s in great form and we’re really looking forward to the race.”
With the ground expected to ride good, Starman heads the sponsors betting at 11-8 with Art Power at 8-1.
“Starman is exceptional at the moment,” added Easterby who made it 101 winners for the season with Garden Oasis at Ripon yesterday.
“If we finish anywhere near him, we’ll be thereabouts.
“He’s cued up well for it and we’re expecting a good run.”
Regarding future plans for by CHRIS GOULDING
Winter Power, Easterby added: “She’s entered for the Flying Five in Ireland and the Prix de l’abbaye. “I don’t know if we will go to Ireland with all regulations regarding Covid rules.
“She stays in training next year. I’m sort thinking, I don’t want to push her too hard. “She had a hard race at York even though she won well. So I don’t want to be shovelling too much coal on the fire!”
As for his current red-hot streak, Easterby explained: “The horses are in good order. You get them in the right races and they go better.” TONTO’S SPIRIT made it a record-equalling seventh victory at Cartmel yesterday when taking the Peter Beaumont Memorial Chase in the hands of Conor O’farrell. Trained by Dianne Sayer, the gelding joined Harriet Graham’s Soul Magic, whose victories came between 2011 and 2013, as the most successful horse at the Cumbrian track by holding off Ming Dynasty.
“It was fabulous, I’m absolutely delighted,” said Sayer.