Henry II Stakes 2011

7.05 Sandown

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Henry II Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £45,416 - 8 run

Pick: Holberg (win)

Aaim To Prosper: Did well last season, when repelling all comers to win the Cesarewitch off mark of 87 on final start last season; Ran respectably in Group 3 at Ascot on seasonal return but that form not shown up well and this tougher.

Akmal: Won this event last year to resume remarkable progression but form of that event far weaker than this year’s event, not matched same form since and does need fair bit of rope; Will give it a good go from the front again so respected although taken on.

Blue Bajan: Ran as well as he has ever done when second in 1m6f Yorkshire Cup in second run back from over a year off earlier this month, a run which gives him excellent form prospects; Respected but bounce factor a potential problem.

Buxted: Although not discredited, came up little short Group company last season after winning first three starts of his career; Will do well to turn around form with second placed Blue Bajan from Yorkshire Cup though.

Holberg: Began building on impressive 2009 Queen’s Vase win from Mark Johnson, winning on reappearance for second year running at Goodwood before signing off with very solid Melbourne Cup fifth (bad trip); Holds a very strong chance based on that run and can go very well.

Montaff: Only second win in 27 starts when taking 2m Ripon handicap in April but well beaten fifth in weaker renewal of this last year and has it all to do (this comes quickly having run on Saturday).

Nehaam: Looked like a Derby horse when winning maiden & sales race before not proving up to that class; Signed off with two solid seconds to Akmal in 1m6f/2m Listed/Group 3 races and can only be watched here after 588 days off.

Caucus: Steadily improving type and was making headway when third in Bahrain Trophy (form solid for the level); Improved getting very close to Drunken Sailor and Bergo before Longchamp flop and best watched on debut for new stable.

VERDICT: Akmal is sure to give it a bold bid but he might not get so much rope nowadays and HOLBERG, who performed so well when sixth in the Melbourne Cup on his last start and has won fresh for the last two seasons.