The wait is over for one of the most gripping five days of thoroughbred action as Royal Ascot kicks off this afternoon. One of the most fascinating contests is the St James’s Palace Stakes, as the 2000 Guineas form comes to the fore.
Bow Echo remained unbeaten as he destroyed the field in scintillating fashion, receiving the highest 2000 Guineas RPR since Frankel. The only colt to get close to him was Gstaad, whose subsequent success in the Irish equivalent franked the form.
The pair rekindle their rivalry, and George Boughey believes Bow Echo has all the attributes to uphold the form.
Speaking to the Press Association, via At The Races, Boughey said: “I said in the autumn time last year he’s the best colt we’ve ever had and he’s unbeaten. Which means you don’t want them to get beat.
“When he was sent to me, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid said he is the horse that was going to change my career. I think that was probably a bit bold from him considering he was an unraced yearling. But he has that pedigree. To have a 126-rated son of Night Of Thunder who is unbeaten is a huge honour.”
Boughey reflected on his 2000 Guineas triumph, stating: “We were hopeful that he would be very competitive. I think to put on the show that he did was a little bit of a surprise to us. But he took the race well. Within a couple of days he needed to be back out in full work.
“We’ve always been very comfortable with his work and how he’s trained. But we have seen an improved physical in the mornings and his work has undoubtedly got stronger.”
“He’s got the attributes you need for that track” – Boughey
The stiff Ascot track will require another step forward for Bow Echo, but Boughey isn’t concerned by the different test.
“I’ve always thought because he’s a horse that I want to ride with a bit of restraint. On a straight track if you jump and land prominent you’re a victim of circumstance. You don’t want to be too far back at Ascot on the round mile. As they can get away from you on the front. But he jumped and travelled at Haydock around a bend and possibly hit the front too soon.
Boughey concluded with the assurance that: “He’s got quite a few of the attributes you need for that track. I think he’s a horse that will travel and I think he’s got all the attributes to do anything really.”