The St James’s Palace Stakes often confirms the pecking order among the Classic generation, and this year’s renewal looks set to answer one question: just how good is Bow Echo?
His Guineas victory was backed up almost immediately by the horses behind him, and on figures he already sits among the strongest winners of the race in recent decades. The small field offers rivals some hope, particularly Puerto Rico, who could secure an uncontested lead, and Talk Of New York, whose explosive Heron Stakes victory hinted at untapped potential.
Yet every route back to the favourite leads to the same conclusion. He is unbeaten, improving, proven on fast ground and possesses the strongest turn of foot in the field.
Predicted finish:
Bow Echo
Gstaad
Talk Of New York
Puerto Rico
Conclusion: Bow Echo deserves favouritism and is the most likely winner. Gstaad sets the benchmark among the challengers, while Talk Of New York is the horse to remember if he finishes strongly off a modest pace.