William and Poet set for Epic battle in Henry II Stakes
ANOTHER of the Group Three races on Sandown’s card is the Star Sports Henry II Stakes (6.12pm), run over two miles.
Won last year by Trawlerman, who followed up on his next start in the Ascot Gold Cup, it’s a good pointer towards Thursday’s showpiece event at the Royal Meeting.
However, with Trawlerman taking longer than anticipated to come to hand this season, he misses this assignment and faces a race against time to defend his Ascot crown.
John and Thady Gosden are represented by another previous winner in SWEET WILLIAM.
He currently heads the betting and it’s easy to see why looking at his recent win in the Group Three Sagaro Stakes.
He battled on well there to get the better of Caballo De Mar, who has since gone on to win a Group One in France.
That’s strong form, and on that running he’d have the beating of these, but the eye is drawn to one at a bigger price.
EPIC POET ran well when finishing third in the Yorkshire Cup last time out, travelling best before being outstayed by Rahiebb.
Whilst that mile-and-three-quarters is probably his best trip, I do think his stamina can stretch to two miles and he doesn’t face an opponent of Rahiebb’s calibre this time around.
He’ll like this better ground, and I envisage him travelling strongly enough to give Sweet William something to think about.
Whether he’s able to see him off is up for debate, but he looks a rock solid each-way bet at 15/2 with Star Sports.
The fact it’s difficult to see past Sweet William for win purposes means a straight forecast of him to beat Epic Poet is also worth playing.
POINTERS THURSDAY
Epic Poet e/w 6.12pm Sandown
Sweet William/Epic Poet (forecast) 6.12pm Sandown