Star Sports Henry II Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 19:06 | Winning time: 3m 37.03s

(1)

Al Nayyir⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: S De Sousa| T: Tom Clover| OR: 113

11/2

Proved better than ever when taking Newmarket listed race (16f) in testing conditions last September and hasn't been seen to best effect in either start this year. Warrants respect, particularly if rain arrives.

Form: 52D5-58

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(3)

Burdett Road^t⁷⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: H Crouch| T: James Owen| OR: 111| D

3/1

Took a step forward when making all in 5-runner listed contest at Newmarket (12f) last September and far from disgraced in Ascot Group 1 next time. Returns from a solid hurdling campaign and can make presence felt here.

Form: 3/50416-

(2)

Coltrane^p²⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-4| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 112| BF| CD

7/1

Largely acquitted himself well in high quality staying contests last season and returned with solid second in Sagaro Stakes at Ascot (16f, firm) last month. Another bold bid is on the cards.

Form: 15643-2

(4)

Trawlerman^h⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 118| D

4/5

Very smart gelding. Bit below best when fifth of 10 in Dubai Gold Cup on return at Meydan (15.9f, good) 54 days ago but only found Kyprios too good when second in Ascot Gold Cup last season and sets the standard on that form.

Form: 11/323-5

Non-Runners

(5)

Tashkhan²⁴²

Weight: 9-4| Age: 7

T: B Ellison J: Jim Crowley

Forecasts

Trawlerman (4/5), Burdett Road (3/1), Al Nayyir (11/2), Coltrane (7/1), Tashkhan (33/1)

If TRAWLERMAN is in the same form as when runner-up in the Ascot Gold Cup last term he should prove hard to beat here. Coltrane may provide the chief threat in an intriguing contest.