Dubai Honour makes his long-awaited return to Sydney in the Tancred Stakes at Rosehill, two years after his last appearance, and trainer Isabella Paul believes the gelding has matured into a more complete racehorse.

The seven-year-old had a standout 2023 with dominant wins in the Ranvet and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), and now he’s a proven performer with plenty of international experience.

“He’s been around the world and back about twenty times, so he’s pretty cruisy now,” Paul said. “He’s a bit less naughty than he was when he was younger, and it’s great to see how fresh he is after the flight.”

Since his triumphs two years ago, Dubai Honour has collected another major win in France, a Group 1 second in Germany, and a Hong Kong Vase placing.

Trainer William Haggas has opted for the Tancred Stakes (2400m) this time, bypassing the Ranvet in favor of a longer challenge.

Despite his age, Paul is confident Dubai Honour is still in peak form. “He’s in really, really good form,” she said. “He can still perform at the top level.”

The Tancred Stakes field is packed with talent, including Sky High Stakes winner Vauban, Caulfield Cup champion Duke De Sessa, and 2023 winner Arapaho.