Trueshan 'in very good form' for Henry II Stakes assignment at Sandown on Thursday

Alan King reports his star stayer Trueshan in top form for Thursday evening's Chasemore Farm Henry II Stakes (7.07), in which he will renew rivalry with Caius Chorister and Sweet William, who finished in front of him in the Sagaro Stakes won by Coltrane this month. 

Trueshan, who enjoyed something of a renaissance in the second half of last season when winning the Doncaster Cup and Prix du Cadran, is expected to come on for his reappearance fourth at Ascot.

The eight-year-old was beaten on his first two starts last season, including at odds of 4-9 on his reappearance in the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham, and better is expected now. However, King admits the race conditions do him no favours.

"I think he's come on a bit from Ascot and he seems in very good form," the trainer said. "We've still got the Group 1 penalty, which is making life awfully difficult – it's very tough trying to give these horses weight. I hope they get a drop of rain, but I'd like to get another run into him."

The mount of Hollie Doyle is a best-priced 33-1 shot for the Gold Cup at Ascot on June 20. Caius Chorister, who was just a head behind Coltrane in second in the Sagaro, can be supported at 16-1. 

Sweet William, who was sent off favourite in that race and finished third, is favourite to reverse that form in Thursday's race, in which he will wear a visor for the first time. He is a 33-1 shot for the Gold Cup. 

Last year's St Leger sixth Chesspiece, All-Weather Championships finals day winner Prydwen, last year's Chester Cup winner Metier and Miss Cynthia complete the line-up.

In the evening's other Group 3, the Chasemore Farm Brigadier Gerard Stakes (7.37), improving four-year-olds Royal Rhyme and Isle Of Jura will go head to head.

Royal Rhyme, who was last seen finishing fifth in the Champion Stakes on his first start in Group 1 company, boasts strong handicap form and an entry in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 19.

He will face a tough rival in Bahrain Triple Crown winner Isle Of Jura, who could return to the Esher track later this summer for the Coral-Eclipse Stakes on July 6.

Certain Lad, Elegancia and Miss Cantik make up the remainder of the field.

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