Believing bounds to Achilles success

George Boughey's Believing comes out on top with hot favourite Live In The Dream disappointing.

BELIEVING winning the Achilles Stakes at Haydock Park in Newton-le-Willows, England. Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

The George Boughey-trained contender was sent off 5/1 second favourite with all eyes on last year's Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes hero Live In The Dream the 5/4 market leader following his reappearance second in the Temple Stakes.

As expected, the early tempo was strong with Live In The Dream, who dipped coming out of the stalls, blazing a trail alongside Democracy Dilemma.

The front pair continued to travel at the rate of knots heading to the two pole but the eye was swiftly drawn to Believing, who after travelling strongly behind the leading duo, shot clear under the hands of Danny.

Commanche Falls (11/1) set off in hot pursuit of the new leader but never looked like getting on terms and eventually finished two-and-three-quarter lengths behind the impressive winner.

Korker ran on to grab the third spot after a sluggish beginning in first-time cheekpiece, while Live In The Dream faded tamely back in fifth.

"They went quite hard up front and there was a strong headwind, but I was able to get a nice bit of cover from the wind," explained the winning rider Danny Tudhope.

"She travelled super, and she did it quite easy. She's a good filly on her day.

"I won on her at Pontefract over six furlongs and she did it easily that day as well. She's versatile, but she's getting better and a lot quicker as well.

"There's some lovely races for her to target and George is doing a great job with her."

A trip to Royal Ascot now looks on the cards for the winner, who was cut to 12/1 (from 33s) for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and 16/1 from 25/1 for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs.

"She'll definitely run in the five-furlong race," said Boughey.

"It wouldn't be the biggest surprise in the world if she also ran on the Saturday over six as well.

"She's a very easy filly to train so if she's OK after Tuesday's race, she could then run on the Saturday."


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