Watch: Trawlerman relentless from front in Henry II Stakes

Trawlerman justified odds-on favouritism in some style to land the Star Sports Henry II Stakes at Sandown.

William Buick was soon dictating matters aboard the John and Thady Gosden-trained seven-year-old – sent off a 4-5 chance – and it became apparent from over two furlongs out the Godolphin-owned gelding would be very hard to pass.

That proved to be the case, as he lengthened away up the hill to score by five lengths from Coltrane.

Thady Gosden said: "That was exactly what we wanted to see. It was a small field and the plan was to go from the front with him and just let him find a rhythm, which William did very well.

"He cruised away with him and picked up nicely in the straight. He's such a giving, generous horse he almost does too much and wearing a hood almost just settles him down and helps him find that rhythm as you have seen today.

"He's had a nice little break since Dubai and that will hopefully put him spot on for a few weeks' time all being well.

"Last year we went straight to the Gold Cup after Dubai, but this year we felt a prep run would suit him well. He's not having an overly hard blow there, he seems in good order and hopefully he comes out of it well."

Trawlerman was cut to 5-1 from 7-1 by Betfair and Paddy Power to go one better than last year's second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, a race that now has a different look after the retirement of dual winner and defending champion Kyprios earlier this week.

Gosden added: "Obviously it's sad and unfortunate news for Coolmore and Ballydoyle having to retire Kyprios which no one likes to see so early into the Flat season, but it also changes the dynamic of the staying division.

"But he's a grand old boy now Trawlerman and it would be great if he could now go on to win a big one.

"He wears his heart on his sleeve every time and he's almost part of the furniture now and it's great Godolphin have kept him in training so long. We hope he has a good rest of the year, time will tell."

Wicked took the required step forward to open his account at the fourth time of asking when swooping late for Team Gosden in the Starsports.Bet Handicap earlier on the card.

Having chased home the promising Bedouin Prince on his last start at Newmarket the John and Thady Gosden-trained Kingman colt duly went one better in the opening mile contest.

Buried in the middle of the field for much of the race the 9-2 chance, who cost 600,000 guineas as a yearling, only played his hand late on under James Doyle.

Victory looked to be heading the way of either Lunar Orbit or Rockin’ The Boat with that pair pressing on from early leader Imperial Trooper inside the final two furlongs.

However, neither could match the finishing kick of the Wathnan Racing-owned colt who came with a power-packed late run before going on to score by a length.

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer, said: “He ran well at Newmarket last time when he was beaten by a good horse in Bedouin Prince.

“This was his first time in handicap company today and the stiff mile suited him well and James managed to get him there late on.

“His pedigree suggests that the step up to 10 furlongs would suit him quite well and he shapes like that as well. You would think he would benefit from that as well.

“That was only his fourth start today and he is probably just getting the hang of it now, but he is a very laidback horse as you can see he is not too worried after that so hopefully he will take another step forward.

“It depends what the handicapper does with him as those races (at Royal Ascot) are not too easy to get in nowadays, but I'm sure he will get a few pounds for that and we will see where we go.

“He has an exceptional pedigree so you would like to think he is a progressive horse for the future.”

James Doyle said: “We were pleased with him. With each run he’s taken a gradual step forward - not a big leap for each run. We felt today the stiff finish would definitely help him and I think this would be his minimum trip. It wasn’t until the final furlong when the afterburners kicked in that he drew away and he won like a horse potentially on the up.

“We mustn’t forget he was running off 80 today so it will be interesting to see what the handicapper does. If he goes up enough, there will be a couple of opportunities for him at Ascot. I think the Britannia might be a bit sharp so the mile and a quarter race might be the one if he goes up enough.

“He should improve a good deal for going up in trip. I was kind of lucky that they went a good pace tonight as it dragged the stamina out of most of them and it really suited this fella.”