GEORGE BOUGHEY: Royal Ascot Wednesday

It was an unbelievable feeling to win a Group 1 at Royal Ascot with Bow Echo in the St James’s Palace, writes GEORGE BOUGHEY.

He really had a race, and it was a nervy final furlong but thankfully he came out on top. That’s the first time he’s really had to battle, and I think he should learn plenty from that.

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🎩 HAVANA LIGHTNING – 2.30pm Ascot

Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)

Havana Lightning was a good winner of her maiden. It didn’t come as a huge surprise because her work had been strong and she’s been training well.

This is a different proposition for her, though. She’s got a fantastic mind and I think we all know how important that is, especially for a two-year-old at Ascot. It’s a big step up, but we’re looking forward to running her.

🎩 UNASSUMING – 5.35pm Ascot

Kensington Palace Stakes

Unassuming came to Ascot last year in good form, but I’ve always thought that a bit of time between her runs sees her at her best.

She could have run at Yarmouth last week in the same race she won last year, but I wanted to freshen her up for this. Her work has been good and she’s trained as well as ever.

I imagine she’ll be a big price, but she’s in fantastic shape and I’d be happy with her chances. In a funny way, she’s actually off a higher mark and probably has a better chance this year. Jack Callan had to do 7st 12lb on her last year, so the fact that she carries a bit more weight this time might just help her.

🎩 PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES PREDICTION – 4.20pm Ascot

George’s selection: Ombudsman

I think I’ll side with Ombudsman. The way John and Thady Gosden trained him, carrying a penalty against Gethin first time up was always going to be a hard task if he was a little short of work. I’m sure he was short of work that day and I thought he ran a huge race.

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