Star Sports Henry II Stakes |
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| Group 3, Sandown 18:12 £95,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 50y, Class 1  |
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1 Dubai Future 28/1
2
Sweet William 8/13F
3 Lazy Griff 5/1
7 ran NR: Beylerbeyi Distances: nk, 1¾l, ¾l
Time: 3m 39.90s (slow by 7.10s)
Dubai Future is well ridden by @davidprobert9 to win the Group 3 @StarSports_Bet Henry II Stakes at 28/1! @Sandownpark pic.twitter.com/ziYfbtQvIB
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 28, 2026
Dubai Future reminded racing fans of his considerable ability with a surprise 28-1 victory
The Group Three contest appeared to revolve around the 8-13 favourite Sweet William, who was attempting to regain the title he won two years ago following his successful return in the Sagaro Stakes.
Furthur set the pace over the two-mile trip, closely followed by Lazy Griff on his first outing since finishing third in last season’s Irish Derby after chasing home Lambourn at Epsom.
David Probert kept Dubai Future within striking distance throughout before making an eye-catching move approaching the straight aboard Saeed bin Suroor’s veteran performer.
Once in front, Dubai Future quickened impressively inside the final two furlongs and although Sweet William closed strongly late on, the winner held on by a neck. Lazy Griff stayed on encouragingly for third.
Bin Suroor said: “He’s a tough horse who always tries hard, as we’ve seen throughout his career. He ran very well in the Ascot Gold Cup last year and improved as the season went on.
“Before the race I told David this was a two-mile race and to keep him relaxed and happy, especially with the cheekpieces helping him focus.
“The horse is in great form and the plan now is to return to Royal Ascot for the Gold Cup.
“When you have horses who work well and genuinely try for you, you always have a chance in the big races.”
Sweet William, who finished ahead of Dubai Future in last year’s Gold Cup, is set to return for another crack at the Royal Ascot showpiece after a pleasing comeback effort.
John Gosden said: “He ran a super race giving away 5lb and they didn’t go much of a pace.
“He picked up well and just ran out of racetrack. Another half-stride and he probably wins.
“I’m delighted for my old friend Saeed bin Suroor and his veteran horse, and for our lad this was the perfect Gold Cup trial.
“Robert Havlin only rode him hands and heels because we didn’t want him knocked about today and he’s run a lovely race.
“The Gold Cup in three weeks’ time is what we’re all aiming for.”
Gosden also provided an update on defending Gold Cup champion Trawlerman, who has yet to appear this season.
He added: “We’re seeing if we can get Trawlerman there and he’s cantering around in shades at the moment and doing very well.
“We’ll know more when we get closer to the race and see how he progresses in his work.”
Charlie Johnston was left weighing up future plans for Lazy Griff following his encouraging return.
Johnston said: “I’m slightly frustrated because I felt someone would eventually make the move that David did.
“The best horse hasn’t necessarily won the race, but the best ride probably has and that’s obvious to everyone.
“Our horse spent two furlongs trying to quicken and find room in what became a messy race after a slow pace.
“Still, it was a very good run after such a long absence if he’s fine in the morning.
“I’m not sure it has given me complete clarity about where we go next because this wasn’t a true test over two miles and stepping up to two and a half miles would still be a big leap into the unknown.
“The Irish St Leger would be an obvious longer-term aim and races like the Goodwood Cup and Prix Royal-Oak are also possibilities.
“But there’s only one Ascot Gold Cup and I was hoping to leave here knowing whether we should target it. I’m not sure I have that answer yet.”
Henry II Stakes (Group 3)
£95,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 50y, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Good, Good to Firm in places
