Tuesday 30 September 2014 18:26, UK
Connections of Sole Power anticipate a "very serious run" in the Prix de l'Abbaye after Tiggy Wiggy and Muthmir were ruled out of Sunday's Group One at Longchamp.
The Eddie Lynam-trained Sole Power has already confirmed himself the king of the five-furlong division with scintillating displays in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot and the Nunthorpe at York during another glorious summer campaign.
Tiggy Wiggy emerged a serious rival after another runaway victory in the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday, but trainer Richard Hannon has now drawn stumps for the campaign with the star filly.
Muthmir, William Haggas' Portland Handicap winner, was another possible cross-Channel raider for the Abbaye, but he is now instead set to head to Ascot for a Listed race a day earlier.
Tiggy Wiggy's defection paves the way for Richard Hughes to again receive the leg-up aboard Sole Power after the champion jockey delivered the goods in the King's Stand and the Nunthorpe this summer.
Bookmaker Paddy Power, son of Sole Power's owner, Sabena, said: "'I'm delighted with the defections of Tiggy Wiggy and Muthmir.
"Not only because they represented serious threats to Sole Power, but, with the former missing, Richard Hughes is definitely free to ride, which eases one of the concerns before a huge race.
"He and Sole Power are simply a match made in heaven and I'm expecting a very, very serious run."
Another horse who will not be making the trip to Longchamp is Henry Candy's star sprinter Music Master.
Winner of the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury and last seen finishing third in the Sprint Cup at Haydock, the four-year-old's racing shoes have been hung up for the season.
Candy said: "He's not going to run on Sunday and he's finished for the year.
"He's had a good season and he's going on his holidays now."
Frankie Dettori is to continue his association with Mirza following their victory over course and distance on Arc trials day.
Trainer Rae Guest is delighted to have acquired the services of the experienced Italian rider, who steered the seven-year-old to a smooth success in the Qatar Prix du Petit Couvert.
"He's spot-on for Sunday," said Guest.
"Frankie rides him. We just need a good draw."
Having been available at 5/1 only days ago, Sole Power is now Sky Bet's 9/4 favourite for the Abbaye, ahead of Stepper Point at 7/1.
