Trawlerman nets Henry II prize with ease, now for Ascot
William Buick was soon dictating matters aboard the John and Thady Gosden-trained seven-year-old – sent off a 4-5 chance – and it became apparent from over two furlongs out the Godolphin-owned gelding would be very hard to pass.
That proved to be the case, as he lengthened away up the hill to score by five lengths from Coltrane.
Thady Gosden said: 'That was exactly what we wanted to see. It was a small field and the plan was to go from the front with him and just let him find a rhythm, which William did very well.
'He cruised away with him and picked up nicely in the straight. He's such a giving, generous horse he almost does too much and wearing a hood almost just settles him down and helps him find that rhythm as you have seen today.
Trawlerman leads the field for the Henry II Stakes (Adam Davy/PA)
'He's had a nice little break since Dubai and that will hopefully put him spot on for a few weeks' time all being well.
'Last year we went straight to the Gold Cup after Dubai, but this year we felt a prep run would suit him well. He's not having an overly hard blow there, he seems in good order and hopefully he comes out of it well.'
Trawlerman was cut to 5-1 from 7s by Paddy Power to go one better than last year's second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, a race that now has a different look after the retirement of dual winner and defending champion Kyprios earlier this week.
Gosden added: 'Obviously it's sad and unfortunate news for Coolmore and Ballydoyle having to retire Kyprios which no one likes to see so early into the Flat season, but it also changes the dynamic of the staying division.
'But he's a grand old boy now Trawlerman and it would be great if he could now go on to win a big one.
'He wears his heart on his sleeve every time and he's almost part of the furniture now and it's great Godolphin have kept him in training so long. We hope he has a good rest of the year, time will tell.'
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