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John and Thady Gosden’s Trawlerman dominated in the 2m Group 3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown on Thursday evening, earning shortened odds for the Ascot Gold Cup.
One of two horses to beat the recently retired staying star Kyprios during his long career, Trawlerman is yet to breakthrough at the top level and training duo John and Thady Gosden will be hoping that it will be the Godolphin gelding's year. A promising fifth in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan in April, Trawlerman appeared the best of the quartet in the paddock and the race unfolded as expected.
Ridden by William Buick, Trawlerman made all in the two-mile contest, increasing the tempo in the final straight for an easy five-length success over Coltrane. It was an ideal preparation for a repeat bid in the Ascot Gold Cup, and Thady Gosden confirmed the Royal Ascot feature would be the target:
"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.
"It was sad and unfortunate news for the Coolmore and Ballydoyle team (that Kyprios was retired) as no one likes to see a horse injured at the start of the flat season, but it changes the dynamic of the staying division this year.
"It was a small field and the plan was to go to the front with him 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. He is not having an overly hard blow there. That puts him in good order and hopefully he comes out of it well.
"It (the hood) certainly helps him as he is such a giving, generous horse that he almost wants to give too much. The hood just settles him down and lets him find a rhythm which he has done today.
"He is a grand old boy now and hopefully he can win a big one at some point.
"He wears his heart on the sleeve every time. He is almost part of the furniture now."
Trawlerman was shortened from 7/1 to 5/1 with Paddy Power for the Ascot Gold Cup.
