He may not be the future himself, but Dubai Future outgunned his younger rivals for Group 3 glory on Thursday. The ten-year-old won the Henry II Stakes at Sandown on Thursday, landing the first leg of a tremendous treble for Godolphin.
Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, this was a fourth Group race victory for the evergreen veteran. The son of Dubawi had been largely outclassed since an equally surprising winner of the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup in 2025. He had been third in the Gold Cup at Ascot in the meantime, albeit 14 lengths adrift of winner Trawlerman at the royal meeting last season.
However, under an expertly judged ride from David Probert, Dubai Future fended off all comers. The 28/1 shot emerged from the back of the pack to outstay his six opponents. Odds-on favourite Sweet William emerged as a late challenger, but could not get by.
Bin Suroor said afterwards, as reported by the Sporting Life: “The way he was working in the mornings I thought he had a good chance to win this race. When I saw him travelling really well during the last two furlongs I said ‘Okay, he is going to win.’
“It was a good ride by David, but he knows him well now. He will ride him in the Ascot Gold Cup and that will be next for him as he has run well in it before.”
Gosden happy with runner-up who may be stable’s Gold Cup number one
The Ascot Gold Cup is next up for Dubai Future, as it is for Sweet William. It remains to be seen if that is the case for defending champion Trawlerman, who continues to battle for fitness in time for mid-June.
John Gosden said after the Henry II Stakes: . “Trawlerman, we are seeing if we can get him there. He’s doing great. We will see in his work what we can do. When I get within two weeks of the race I’ll know then.”
On Sweet William’s effort, Gosden was more upbeat: “I’m delighted with him giving them 5lb, they didn’t go any pace. He picked up well, but just ran out of racetrack. The trial for the Gold Cup was perfect.
“Rab [Havlin,] was hands and heels, waving his stick at him. The Gold Cup in three weeks is what we are aiming for. You’ve got to be pleased when his next run is two and a half miles.”
Sweet William is 10/1, with Dubai Future at 33/1, behind clear favourite Scandinavia in the Gold Cup betting.