Course specialist Art Power has sights set on Renaissance Stakes hat-trick

Art Power will once again grace his beloved Curragh on Sunday when he will bid for a third victory in the Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Renaissance Stakes.

Tim Easterby’s admirable Group One scorer won the six-furlong Group Two in both 2021 and 2022 and having five furlongs too sharp on his most recent outing at the Kildare track, reverts to his preferred distance to try to reclaim his crown.

Alastair Donald, racing manager for owners King Power Racing, said: “It just didn’t work out for him last time, he was a tiny bit slow away and the five furlongs just proved a bit sharp for him. He didn’t run badly, but it showed he definitely wants six these days.

“There looks to be some rain around which will be a help and it looks a very winnable race, of course he has already won it twice.

“He enjoys running at the Curragh and hopefully this will be his best chance this year as he’s been a bit of a legend for us really.”

There is further British representation in the form of Karl Burke’s Spycatcher who finished fifth in this 12 months ago, while Jack Channon sends over improving three-year-old Crestofdistinction.

Beaten only a head when upped to Listed level at York last time, the West Isley handler is happy to test the waters at an even higher level with a colt he has supreme confidence in.

Channon said: “He’s a rapidly improving three-year-old and it was a great performance at York last time in a race which was marred sadly by the horses that came down.

“But it was a real big step forward for him and he’s a really raw horse who I always thought would get to this level.

“Our hand has been forced a bit now by the handicapper and we’re here a bit sooner than I thought we would be, but he’s in great form and I don’t think I’ve had him better all season.

“I’ve always thought he would make into a really good sprinter and he’s exceeding my expectations at this time, but he’s improving every run.

“The sprint division this season has shown there isn’t much between handicaps and stakes class and I think if he can reproduce his form from York he won’t be far away.”

Ger Lyons’ My Mate Alfie saw off Charles O’Brien’s Curragh stalwart Big Gossey to win this 12 months ago and both will recommence their rivalry.

Other home contenders include Aidan O’Brien’s Ides Of March and Willie McCreary’s Vespertilio, who got the better of the aforementioned My Mate Alfie here earlier in the season and has been a consistent operator at the distance this term.