Pallasator produces Max effort for victory at Sandown

Pallasator was back in winning form at Sandown yesterday evening when giving weight to his rivals and landing the Gr.3 Betvictor Henry II Stakes.

Ridden by Oisin Murphy in the colours of Qatar Racing, he scored by two and a quarter lengths and one and a half lengths from Suegioo and last year's Gr.1 Melbourne Cup runner-up Max Dynamite.

It was a very likeable performance by seven-year-old Pallasator, for it confirmed his wellbeing for a crack at Royal Ascot's Gr.1 Gold Cup next month, and he showed none of the quirks pre-race that have marked some of his racecourse appearances they haven't stopped him winning, but preserving his best for the race last night resulted in an impressive victory from a small, but talented field.

Winning trainer Sir Mark Prescott, quoted in the Racing Post, said: ‚"Pallasator will run in the Ascot Gold Cup. That's what they bought him for, but today's ground was about firm enough and he would handle it as heavy as you like.‚"

Three horses represent Qatar Racing today at Bath, Speed Freak (15.30) and Playful Dude (17.00) are in action, while Get Up And Dance runs at Pontefract (21.00).

Photo of Pallasator: Laurence Squire