The bay is often in the frame in long-distance events.
Robert Havlin is certain that Sweet William possesses all the necessary skills to secure a significant staying prize, which might potentially occur in Friday's Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes.
The five-year-old, who has only won four of his 13 career starts, has never missed the first three under the guidance of John and Thady Gosden.
His most recent victory was in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown. Since then, he has finished second twice in the Ascot and Goodwood Gold Cups behind Kyprios.
Sweet William has a favourite's chance this weekend as Aidan O'Brien keeps Kyprios at home.
Incredible from TRUESHAN!
An INSPIRED @HollieDoyle1 ride takes the Doncaster Cup for Alan King at @DoncasterRaces! pic.twitter.com/3oQshr9Sv8
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 15, 2023
"He's getting more straightforward to ride, but he is getting more on the lazy side, so he requires plenty of pushing and kicking, whereas he used to travel round on the bridle," Havlin added.
"He does well on these kinds of travels (two and a quarter miles), and I thought the race the previous year he was a little unlucky. In the end, Trueshan went down the middle of the track by himself, and the group followed him. That day, I believed I had a strong chance of defeating Trueshan.
Since then, we've concluded in front of Trueshan every other time, so I'm excited about it. He looks fantastic while he's at home.
"He's unfortunate that Kyprios is here, but we have avoided him because this is the first time this season that he isn't competing against us in a major race. He may not be simple, but he is incredibly talented.
"He's going to win a big one sooner or later, he's definitely got the ability, it's just about things falling right."
Alan King was thrilled to see five millimetres of rain fall on Wednesday night before the match started, since Trueshan is known for needing give in the ground to perform at his best.
The winner from the previous year may not be exactly the same, but he still managed to win at Sandown in July and finished fourth in the Goodwood Cup the previous time around.
King stated: "Trueshan seems to be back in good shape after taking a little break following Goodwood. I am pleased with his level of preparation. I hope there isn't any more land drying out."
Gregory, who finished third to Vauban at York after splitting Sweet William and Trueshan at Goodwood, is another Gosdens representative.
"I thought he ran extremely well the last time, and I think this longer course will be beneficial. Although I believe the extra couple of lengths will make a difference, he probably only has one decent pace, according to Richard Brown, bloodstock adviser to owners Wathnan Racing.
"He is a devoted horse who is fierce and endearing. He's a huge boy and a beautiful horse that constantly tries and runs his race, and even though I know he's only four, I hope he will be even better the next year.
"His stablemate will be a tough nut to crack, and Point Lonsdale is an interesting runner, and it's a very good race with the likes of Trueshan in there as well, so we're looking forward to seeing him run."
Point Lonsdale is operated by O'Brien, while Adam Nicol's Wise Eagle and Andrew Balding's Coltrane round out the field.
