Illustrious Blue bids for Henry II honours

William Knight has pencilled in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown on May 27 for his stable stalwart Illustrious Blue.

The seven-year-old won the Sagaro Stakes in fine style last time on what was his first attempt at two miles and another good performance at Sandown could see connections supplement him for the Ascot Gold Cup.

“Now Illustrious Blue has shown that he stays two miles, we are going to aim for the Henry II Stakes at the end of this month,” Knight told his website.

“We considered next Friday’s Yorkshire Cup but his regular rider Jim Crowley is due to be suspended on that day and it may just be that Illustrious Blue is best suited going right-handed rather than left-handed.

“There were just a few reasons that made us think the Henry II is the best option for him at present.

“He is not in the Ascot Gold Cup but obviously if he were to go and win the Henry II – or put up another big performance in that race – we would have to seriously consider supplementing him for the Royal meeting.

“We were thrilled with his run in the Sagaro Stakes. The great thing is that by winning the race, he has given us more options as he was looking somewhat exposed over a mile and a half at that level.”