Power powers to Coventry win

Aidan O'Brien's well backed Power won the Group Two Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Unbeaten in two starts, Power was stepping back up in trip after scoring narrowly in a Listed race over five furlongs at the Curragh.

The Oasis Dream colt needed every yard of the trip to repel the challenge of Roman Soldier by a neck with St Barths narrowly taking third from Lethal Force one and a quarter lengths further behind.

Power provided O'Brien with his first winner in the juvenile contest since Henrythenavigator was successful in 2007.

O'Brien said: "Ryan gave him a great ride and he's a tough horse. It's tough out there.

"He won his maiden over six furlongs at the Curragh and then won the Marble Hill over five furlongs.

"He's a big, powerful, strong horse and he has the physique already. Most horses at two have to progress, but he has it already.

"I spoke to Ryan on the way in and asked him if he would stay further and he said no problem. All things are open to him.

"He could go back to the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. Looking at him you'd think he'll get further.

"It's a relief for everybody (to have a winner). Everyone works very hard and puts a lot into it.

"It's great to have a winner here - it's a very special meeting."

Jeremy Noseda, trainer of Roman Soldier, said: "So close, yet so far. He's run a huge race so I can't ask anymore than that.

"It was a lovely ride by George (Baker) and a brave performance by the horse. That's all we can ask. George said he got a little bump but I don't know."

Brian Meehan, trainer of the third St Barths, said: "He's a nice horse and very progressive.

"Martin (Dwyer) said he was very unlucky at the start. He had to take a pull back and go round, so he possibly could have finished a bit closer, but whether he would have troubled the first two I don't know.

"We'll get him home, see how he is and have a chat about where to go next and go from there. We're delighted."

Victor Chandler cut the winner into 10-1 from 20s for next year's 2000 Guineas for which Boylesports make him an 8-1 chance from 14s and Roman Soldier 14-1 from 25s for the Newmarket Classic.