Paradias bids to reign supreme in Henry II

Paradias will put his stamina to the test when attempting to secure pattern race honours in the Star Sports Henry II Stakes at Sandown Park on Thursday.

The son of Kodiac will be stepped up to two miles on the Flat for the first time in his career when tackling the Group Three contest, which features the likes of last year’s Betfred Derby runner-up Lazy Griff and multiple Group Two winner Sweet William.

Having enjoyed a solid campaign on the all-weather over the winter Paradias ran with plenty of credit on his return to the turf when finishng fifth on his Group Two debut in the Betfred Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month.

And with Paradias having stayed on well over a mile and a half on that occasion Alan hopes that the extra yardage can bring out a little bit more improvement from the seven-time race winner.

Alan said: “It was always going to be a tough ask for Paradias at Newmarket last time, but he stayed on well and he wasn’t beaten too far.

“The way he stayed on suggested that it is worth experimenting with him over this trip. It will be another tough task for him as there are some real tough stayers in there.

“However, if he stays the trip it will give us more options going forward with him.”