GEORGE BOUGHEY: Weekend Preview

We had a frustrating Guineas weekend where we hit the crossbar with a couple of fancied runners, writes GEORGE BOUGHEY.

Rosy Affair was too fresh out the gates on her seasonal debut on Friday, but still won “her side” and was only beaten by half a length – she remains a filly of potential. On Saturday, Classic Encounter also won his race in his group, but was beaten by Great Chieftain, who flew home. I thought both were drawn well but it turns out they were on the wrong side. Classic Encounter seems to enjoy big fields and I’m excited to see what the summer brings for him.

I’m off to Deauville for the Arqana Breeze-Up Sales today. We bought Pentle Bay last year for €55,000 before selling him at the Goffs London Sale on the eve of Royal Ascot for £400,000 after he won on debut. Hopefully, we can have some similar success this time around.

SATURDAY

NOTTINGHAM

IT’S TIM – 1.20pm Nottingham

He’s been a revelation since being upped in trip and we’re hoping he can keep progressing. He goes to Nottingham chasing his fifth straight victory under young apprentice Jack Callan. We hope that he could turn into a Copper Horse Handicap type by the time Royal Ascot comes around!

Never in doubt!

It's Tim lands the four-timer with a straightforward success at @WolvesRaces for @gbougheyracing and @_jackcallan_! pic.twitter.com/6McrHhVmkI

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 6, 2025

DUTCH FINALE – 4.50pm Nottingham

We gelded him over the winter and this is his first run in a handicap. He’s been training well but he should come on for the run.

LEICESTER

CALAFIORI – 5.25pm Leicester

Not much went right for him on debut. He actually got spooked going down to the start and his saddle slipped. He was then bumped leaving the stalls and just got tired in the final stages. He has improved for that run and hopefully we’ll see a much-improved effort here.

SUNDAY

NEWCASTLE

ORANGE SKY – 5.10pm Newcastle
He was a course-and-distance winner last year. His work has been good at home, but he’ll carry a penalty here and will get one mile in time.

Looks nice! The expensive Orange Sky goes one better to get off the mark on the second attempt at @NewcastleRaces…@loughnane_billy @gbougheyracing pic.twitter.com/vLyoiVRSXq

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 24, 2024

MCKENNA – 6.15pm Newcastle

He’s done really well physically over the winter. He looked like he came to win at Southwell on his latest start but didn’t quite get his head in front. Billy said that he’d be really well suited to the straight track at Newcastle, so this looks a good spot for him.

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