Qatar Racing-owned Pallasator comfortably won Henry II Stakes, a Group 3 for stayers, on Thursday at Sandown. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, Pallasator waited for a while behind Max Dynamite before coming up with a really good acceleration in the last 200 metres, imposing himself by more than two lengths.
This was his second Group success as he had already won the Doncaster Cup, a Group 2, in 2015. Pallasator should now go towards the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, the biggest race for stayers in Great-Britain.
“The plan was to sit last as he’s not a slow stayer and he quickened up well,” explained Pallasator’s trainer, Sir Mark Prescott.
“It was one of those rare days when the plan worked. He will run in the Ascot Gold Cup now as that is what he was bought for. I thought Oisin rode him very well as he’s not everybody’s ride. I was happy with the way he cantered down - he made it look as easy as possible. I think today was about firm enough for him. Ascot would be a worry (in terms of ground). He has to have everything done for him, but if he goes and wins Group races, he can have everything he wants.”