Robert Havlin is optimistic that Sweet William has the talent to secure a major staying prize, with the Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes on Friday looking like a prime opportunity.
The five-year-old, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has never finished outside the top three in 13 career starts, although he has won only four times. His latest victory came in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown. Since then, he has finished behind Kyprios in the Gold Cup at Ascot and at Goodwood.
With Kyprios absent this weekend, Sweet William has a strong chance as the favourite.
Havlin commented: "He’s becoming easier to ride, but has grown a bit lazier, requiring more encouragement than before. He used to travel comfortably on the bridle. He’s better over these longer distances (two and a quarter miles), and I felt he was a bit unlucky last year. Trueshan managed to go down the middle of the track on his own, while we stuck with the pack. I thought we had a good chance of beating Trueshan that day. Since then, we’ve consistently finished ahead of Trueshan, so I’m looking forward to this race. He seems in excellent form at home. Unfortunately, Kyprios is such a formidable opponent, but this is the first time this season he isn’t competing against us in a big race. Sweet William has a lot of ability, and while he’s not the most straightforward horse, he’s bound to win a big race eventually."
Trueshan, known for his preference for soft ground, benefitted from five millimetres of rain that fell on Wednesday evening. Although not quite as dominant as before, Trueshan won at Sandown in July and finished fourth in the Goodwood Cup.
Trainer Alan King said: "Trueshan had a short break after Goodwood and seems to be in good shape now. I’m pleased with his preparation and hope the ground doesn’t dry out any further."
Also in the mix for the Gosden team is Gregory, who finished between Sweet William and Trueshan at Goodwood before securing a three-length third to Vauban at York.
Richard Brown, bloodstock adviser to owners Wathnan Racing, remarked: "Gregory ran really well last time out, and the extra distance should suit him. He’s a horse with a consistent pace, and the additional furlongs could make a difference. He’s a tough, likeable horse who always gives his best. Though he’s four, he’s still developing and should improve next year. With strong competitors like Sweet William and Point Lonsdale in the field, it’s shaping up to be a very competitive race, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he performs."
Joining the Gosden pair in the race are O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale, Andrew Balding’s Coltrane, and Adam Nicol’s Wise Eagle.