Betfair Henry II Stakes 2012

7.20 Sandown

Betfair Henry II Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £31,190

Advice: 2 pts win Times Up (4/1 general)

Ley Hunter: Finally put class to use over staying trips (had been disappointing since failing for a run in the Prix Maurice De Neuil) when winning very slowly run Prix Galdiateur towards backend of last year, and improved again despite form reverse when third in Cadran at Arc meeting; Since moved to Godolphin and interesting if he’s allowed to take his chance, but hard to be wholly confident about him showing his best.

Opinion Poll:  Took record to 9-24 when landing Group 3 staying contest at Meydan and best of these based on form which saw him landing Yorkshire and Goodwood Cups, while also coming an excellent staying on second in the Gold Cup behind Fame & Glory; That form makes him the favourite’s choice here and will be thereabouts.

Aiim To Prosper: Since just about made into a group horse in 6 runs after landing the Cesarawitch, his best efforts both coming over this C&D, beaten a nose in Listed company; Held by most of these on best form though and will come on for this run an awful lot.

Askar Tau: Once the flavour of the day in this division completing Doncaster/Yorkshire Cup double after progression from handicap company; Went off rails after that but hinted at coming back to best with fifth in Ascot Gold Cup and Sagaro Stakes win was impressive; Not out of this by any means.

Blue Bajan: Rolled back the years when landing last year’s renewal at Sandown on third start of last year; Hinted at retaining the ablity that landed him that race but this year’s renewal looks better and much more needed today.

Chiberta King: Good second to Times Up and then nosed out Aaim To Prosper in Listed contests last year, but failed to get involved in stronger contests, of which today’s looks the latter; Needs more.

Old Hundered; Picked up progression that saw him land the Mallard Handicap at Doncaster when landing decent enough AW handicap at Kempton last time, nosing out runner up who was carrying 12lbs less than him; Might win again in handicaps but this should be far too tough.

Times Up: Resumed progression from two seasons ago (when ready winner of November Handicap) when winning big handicap and then when running out a ready winner of a Listed event; Gap s didn’t come for him in Group 2 (should have won) but put that right with excellent win in Listed event before staying on fifth in the QIPCO Staying event; Now 2lbs better off with Opinion Poll and has a run in the Yorkshire Cup under his belt; Promising.

Zuider Zee: Top handicapper who didn’t run a bad race last season before winning the November Handicap (romped away with that event) and then again progressed with Listed second and third, probably finding trip too short on both occasions; Needs to find a bit more but wouldn’t surprise if he took a leading hand.

Ibicenco: Very smart German performer who was second to second to Campanologist in Cologne Group 1 in September; Below form on first start for his yard but that run behind him and he was doing his best work towards the end of the race, however slowly; Needs more but can bounce back and wouldn’t want to be too strongly dismissive of his chances.

VERDICT: Opinion Poll’s the rightful favourite but not much separates him and TIMES UP, and with the latter double the price and now 2lbs better off for their October meeting, it’s not hard to see him as a value bet here, with Ley Hunter yet to run for Godolphin and questions over the others, although Zuider Zee and Ibicenco have their claims with the trip promising to improve them as horses.