Classic-winning trainer George Boughey is set to saddle his two star fillies Believing and Soprano at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar on November 1-2.
Believing, will contest the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, and Soprano, is set to step up in trip for the Filly & Mare Turf for the trainer, who broke through to the big time with Cachet’s victory in the 1,000 Guineas two years ago.
Believing has been a model of consistency this season, finishing in the first four in five G1 sprints, unfortunately without winning one.
“It's been amazing with Believing,” said Boughey (right). “She’s danced every dance and kept improving. We were unlucky not to win the Nunthorpe at York and we were drawn on the wrong side in Ireland, but she’s been knocking on the door – and hopefully it will open at the Breeders’ Cup.”
Believing has shown tremendous toughness, having competed in top races in the UK, Hong Kong, France, and Ireland.
“She’s a dream filly to train,” Biughey added. “Her rider Holly Walker has done a fantastic job with her, and we’ve kept her work light. She’s been fresh and ready for every challenge.”
Believing will wear cheekpieces for the Breeders’ Cup, a decision influenced by her performance last year on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot.
Boughey explained: “We put a set of cheekpieces on her for Ascot last year, and I think that was as well as she’s ever travelled – she was pretty much the last horse off the bridle.
“That race was a defining factor in our decision to send her to America, because she travelled so well in the early stages of the race.”
Boughey is confident that Believing’s ability to travel smoothly through a fast race will suit the five-furlong test at Del Mar.
“It’s a fast five, but I’ve heard it can suit closers,” he said. “As long as she’s not too far out early, I think we’ll see her finishing very strong.”
Soprano: ‘She’s put on muscle and weight’
Stablemate Soprano, runner-up in G1 company at Keeneland last weekend, has impressed her trainer physical transformation this term.
Boughey said: “She’s put on muscle and weight, and has turned into a big, strong filly. If she stays, she’ll be a live each-way chance.”
Soprano has taken well to travelling, with Boughey’s team sending back positive reports from the US following her second in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday.“She’s relaxed beautifully since arriving, and I couldn’t be happier with how she’s doing,” said Boughey. “The video footage we’ve received shows her thriving.”
Rising star Billy Loughnane, who won on Soprano at Royal Ascot, will likely take the ride at Del Mar for his first-ever Breeders' Cup ride. Ryan Moore is in line for Believing, commitments allowing.
For Boughey a Breeders' Cup victory would be a monumental achievement. “We came close a few years ago with Cachet, but to have runners there is special,” he said.
“The Breeders' Cup has always been an important event for everyone involved, and we’re excited to be part of it again.”
• Visit the George Boughey Racing website and the Breeders' Cup website
‘I have to say Economics is the best I’ve ridden’ – major interview with Tom Marquand
Calandagan ready for Economics as French stars prepare for QIPCO British Champions Day
British jockey George Rooke joins riding ranks in New Zealand
The big Breeders’ Cup question: can City Of Troy win the Classic on the dirt?
View the latest TRC Global Rankings for horses / jockeys / trainers / sires