Channon Charge Captures German Guineas

Royal Power, ridden by Chris Catlin, grabbed the lead two furlongs from home and dug in late to defeat the closing Aspecutus by a head in the Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German Two Thousand Guineas) (Ger-II) at Cologne Sunday.

Trained by Mick Channon for owner Jaber Abdullah, the Irish-bred son of Xaar was coming off a second-place finish in the Italian equivalent of the German race last month.

Catlin earned his first Classic win, putting Royal Power in a tracking position for most of the one-mile journey contested on a good course. Royal Power overtook the pacesetting Sovereign Dancer for the lead.

Aspectus, also bred in Ireland, was held up in mid-pack before launching his bid in the final furlong to challenge Royal Power. He finished one length in front of Lord Of England, who stayed on for third, three-quarters of a length ahead of British invader Chief Commander. Sovereign Dancer held on for fifth.