O’Brien proud of Gstaad in latest battle with Bow Echo

Aidan O’Brien will consider a step up in trip for Gstaad after Bow Echo again proved his nemesis in the Qatar Sussex Stakes.

There was just under three lengths between Bow Echo and Gstaad when they first crossed paths in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May, after which Gstaad went one better in the Irish version at the Curragh to set up a mouthwatering rematch at Royal Ascot.

While Bow Echo was once more triumphant in the St James’s Palace Stakes, on that occasion the winning margin was just a short head, giving Gstaad’s fans genuine hope of turning the tables at the third time of asking on the sun-drenched Sussex Downs.

In what was an enthralling contest, Billy Loughnane aboard Bow Echo attempted to sit as close to Gstaad’s tail as he possibly could during the early exchanges, but there was inevitably plenty of scrimmaging for position as the race began it earnest.

It was the latter who committed for home first under Ryan Moore, hitting the front inside the final half-furlong after mastering top-class older miler Opera Ballo.

However, Bow Echo kicked in the turbo soon after to get up and confirm his superiority by half a length, leaving O’Brien to consider what route to take next.

“We’re delighted with the run, absolutely,” the Ballydoyle handler told the Press Association.

“It was a great race. We always felt that he (Gstaad) would get further, so I’m not sure (where he’ll run next) – we can think about what we want to do with him now.

“We always thought going a mile and a quarter was a possibility, so we’ll see what we do now.”

Opera Ballo had finished a close third in his bid for a first Group One win on home soil in the Queen Anne Stakes and while he reversed the form with his Royal Ascot conqueror Ten Bob Tony, he again had to make do with third, albeit conceding 8lb to the two three-year-olds in front of him.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “He was travelling well and looked very comfortable, from two (furlongs) down we thought we were in business, we were right there with a live shot.

“He was conceding 8lb to two very good three-year-olds, two exceptional three-year-olds if we’re being honest. Realistically it was always going to be tough for him, but he didn’t disappoint us.

“He’ll go to Canada now, to Woodbine. He travels well and I think that will suit him. After that we’ll be working back from the Breeders’ Cup.”

William Buick was in the saddle aboard the keen-going Opera Ballo and was also proud of his performance in defeat.

On his quick start, the rider said: “That’s what he does. Before the race I was very conscious of what was going to happen on my outside pace-wise – that happened and we were very happy to take a lead.

“We were going good, strong fractions and I thought we had a nice lead into the race where we were and he’s run his heart out.

“He was giving 8lb to two top notch three-year-olds, Bow Echo being an exceptional horse. He’s unbeaten and I tip my cap to the horse and George (Boughey) and Billy (Loughnane) and the whole team – it takes some doing to stay unbeaten this far down the line.

“I thought I might win two (furlongs) out when we were getting rolling and he picked up and then the three-year-olds just came late, but he’s ran his heart out.

“He’s still a very good horse, held in the highest regard and he’s still got a bright future ahead of him.”