The connections of Slade Power have accepted an invitation to run in Melbourne after his victory in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

By Simon Jackson.

Racing Victoria officials have expressed their delight at news that Diamond Jubilee Stakes winner Slade Power is likely to contest the $1million VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington in Australia on November 8.

Slade Power capped a great week at Royal Ascot for Irish trainer Eddie Lynam who had earlier landed the King’s Stand Stakes with Sole Power and the Queen Mary Stakes with Anthem Alexander.

“I spoke to trainer Edward Lynam, we just talked on the logistics about when he’s due to go into quarantine and it’s all very positive,” Racing Victoria’s international recruitment officer Leigh Jordon said on the VRC website.

“He’s spoken with the connections and they’re looking very positively about bringing Slade Power down for the VRC Sprint which is a great result.

“We had Lucky Nine come down last year as a previous Global Sprint Challenge winner and Slade Power was very impressive winning the Diamond Jubilee and overall he’s got very good form.

“In his last seven starts he’s won a Group 1, the Diamond Jubilee, he’s won the Ascot Champions Sprint last October on their Champions day and he’s been placed behind Gordon Lord Byron in the Haydock Sprint.

“It’s a terrific result if we can get Slade Power out here; I think it will add a lot of interest to the sprints.”

Lynam confirmed that he is eager to make the trip. He told Sky Sports radio: “I hear you have got a very good sprinter [Lankan Rupee] over there but we’ll give it a go,” he said.

“We’ve been doing a bit of research into him and he might not be Black Caviar but he’s very, very good and he’s going to be a hard nut to crack.

“We’re not afraid to lose, so we’re going to give it a go.”

Sole Power has also been invited to run in the 1200m contest in Melbourne, but Lynam believes that the dual King’s Stand Stakes winner is more likely to run in Hong Kong.

“I think the Hong Kong Sprint would suit Sole Power more,” he said. “I won’t rule out going to Melbourne with him just yet but I’d imagine he’d probably go to Hong Kong.”

The immediate target for the two sprinters is the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 12.

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.