FAO Figgis

If you've been following his tips over many years no wonder you are 60k in the tank.

Link doesn't work Mr Hunt.
Also Figgis has been fantastic over the years.He has great knowledge on the flat.

Hi Ageingpunter. Unlucky with the losing streak. Then having the misfortune of being bumped into by the resident aftertimer and **** extraordinaire. Hopefully your luck improves. No ante post bets from me. I did like Gewan for the Guineas but we know what happened there, tragically. For me, none of the runners have yet reached the level usually required. Sticking with the few I have rated within 8 or 9 pounds of an average winner, the two with fewer miles on the clock, and therefore you'd think might have more potential for improvement, are Bow Echo and Distant Storm. Either could possibly step up but I wouldn't back any of them at the prices.

If forced to make a selection, I'd have to pin my hopes on nothing improving significantly and leaving the way open for my top rated, Gstaad (who I have about 3 or 4 pounds short of a typical winner) to back up his very best 2yo form. However, as a racing fan and with hopes for the season ahead, ideally I'd like to see something improve past him.

Great to see the rating you give to Gstaad Figgis as it offers hope to K Burkes filly in the Sunday race. Failed to the battalion in the Moyglare, but there were excuses as stall 1 was a disadvantage also. Clifford Lee will be wiser surely after the Curragh, but he is no MJK.

It was pleasing to see that one did improve past Gstaad and gave racing fans a decent winner in Bow Echo. What is also pleasing to me personally is that the firms have lost the plot on this one, in my opinion. On first viewing, assuming Gstaad had at least run to his previous mark, with 8 lengths back to the third, I was expecting to rate Bow Echo an above average winner. However, I always believe time comparison gives a better handle on the form, given a well run race like the Guineas was. I have Gstaad 4lbs lower than his best. My average (as in up to scratch) figure for a Guineas winner is 73/74. I have Bow Echo no higher than 74.

I read that Timeform have only 5 Guineas winners higher than Bow Echo since 1970. I find that extraordinary for a firm that, given the name, is still supposed to use times as a steer. It seems they have relied on the often iffy 'race standardisation' method to reach their conclusion. With Bow Echo skipping the Irish version and being rested for the SJP it is highly likely he will back up his Guineas win. That said, I will look forward to taking him on later in the season if the hype continues.

Delashay • May 2, 2026 6:18 PM BST

I hope all think and bet Bow Echo like he’s unbeatable because when the right one shows I’ll be backing against him.

Delashay • May 4, 2026 11:59 AM BST
Days between 2 year old races

27Sep25

There are 21 days between September 6 and September 27

06Sep25

There are 21 days between August 15 and September 5.

15Aug25


There are21 days between the English 2000 Guineas and the Irish 2000

Then 23 days between the Irish 2000 Guineas and the St James’ Palace Stakes

43 days between Ascot and the Sussex Stakes.


Field of Gold had taken in one more race on this schedule by taking in the Craven so that will help Bow Echo.

But 21 days between Group 1’s is maybe why the likes of Cockney Rebel could do the Guineas double Ascot treble.

Delashay • May 4, 2026 9:39 PM BST
Well well, this morning I was questioning the words of the trainer of our new 2000 Guineas winner.

About the task involved to take in the Irish Guineas on route to the SJP after what I perceived to be an unduly hard race given by an adrenaline filled jockey.

Delashay • May 4, 2026 11:37 AM BST
Looking back at the race I felt that Bow Echo was given a hard race, a harder race than he needed, so that might be why he is only second fav for the Irish 2000.
He was further back than he wanted to be and maybe the excitement got to the jockey by trying to win going away and opening up the gap more?

To do both Guineas and the St James’ Palace is a difficult thing to do.

Bougehy :

“I think he has every right to be held in high regard and within his generation he looks a very good horse. He’s fast but he also stays. I don’t think he’s a Derby horse and I’d like to make him champion miler.

“There’s the Irish 2,000 Guineas, then there’s Ascot and taking on older horses. I’d like to make him a dual Guineas winner, but he will tell us whether that’s right.”
Report• Quote • Block User Delashay • May 4, 2026 9:42 PM BST
Sam Hendry
Assistant Audience editor
Published on 4 May 2026inBritain
Last updated 19:08, 4 May 2026

George Boughey has revealed his 2,000 Guineas star Bow Echo will skip the Irish 2,000 Guineas and head to the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next.

“He was trained for the 2,000 Guineas and this gives us a nice gap to freshen him up and go again," said Boughey. "It makes sense to give him that bit of time.


"Ascot is very much the plan. It’s somewhere we’ve always hoped we’d get to with a live chance, and to go there now as a Guineas winner is very exciting.”
Beyond Ascot, Bow Echo is likely to remain at a mile with his trainer name-checking the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood as a possible first attempt at tackling older horses.”

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Time told he was overly exerted