Trawlerman sets sights on Gold after G3 Henry II Stakes win

Trawlerman enjoyed the perfect preparation for this year’s Gold Cup as he readily made all in the G3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown Park, UK, on Thursday, 29 May.

William Buick sent the John & Thady-Gosden trained stayer to the front leaving the stalls and established a length and a half advantage over Burdett Road and Coltrane.

Having increased the tempo three furlongs out, Trawlerman extended his lead a furlong and a half from home and powered further clear inside the final furlong before being eased in the closing strides to beat Coltrane by five lengths.

Thady Gosden said: “It was a small field and the plan was to go to the front with Trawlerman and just let him find a rhythm, which William did well, and he picked up nicely in the straight.

“Last year he had a longer break after Dubai, but we thought this year a prep run would suit him well. That puts him in good order and hopefully he comes out of it well.

“He has had a bit of a break since Dubai and that should hopefully put him spot on for a couple of weeks’ time, if all goes well."

William Buick said: “Trawlerman has come back from Dubai in great shape. John and Thady said he was spot on for today. He is just a happy horse who loved bowling along and, fingers crossed, this will set him up for another tilt at the Gold Cup.

“He put it to Kyprios in the Gold Cup last year. We all know Kyprios, he is the Champion Stayer, and Trawlerman is the only horse to have beaten him in the last couple of years. We know how good Trawlerman is and he was there right to the line in the Gold Cup last year, so hopefully we can go one better.”