Trainer George Boughey is ready to face Bradsell for a third time before the season ends, following Believing's latest runner-up finish behind Archie Watson’s star at the Curragh on Sunday.
Believing has had an outstanding season for Boughey and owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. Her victories in the Achilles Stakes at Haydock and the Sapphire Stakes in Ireland, alongside several strong performances, including two fourth-place finishes at Royal Ascot, have marked her as a top contender.
The four-year-old filly was second to Bradsell in the Nunthorpe at York last month and repeated that position in Sunday’s Flying Five Stakes, leaving Boughey beaming with pride.
"What a season she’s had," Boughey remarked. "Just 51 weeks ago, she was supplemented for the Haydock Sprint Cup and finished third as a 66-1 outsider. To have made such progress in such a short time is a huge credit to her and to Holly, who rides her every day."
He continued, "She’s a filly who requires a lot of careful management. Keeping her so busy and consistent is no small feat, and I truly appreciate how well the team looks after her."
Boughey was impressed with Believing’s condition on Sunday. "I was really excited to see her before the race, she looked great and seemed to be at her best. Ryan Moore mentioned afterwards that she felt better than ever."
Believing was drawn on the opposite side of the track from Bradsell at both York and the Curragh. She may have another opportunity to face him in the Prix de l’Abbaye at ParisLongchamp or the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar.
Boughey added, "She’ll have a short break now, and we’ll decide her next steps. The Abbaye and the Breeders’ Cup are the two races she’s entered. We didn’t consider Champions Day at Ascot because it’s unlikely she’d get her preferred ground there."
He concluded, "She’s likely to race again this year, whether once or twice, depending on how things unfold. While the draw is beyond our control and Bradsell has had the better luck this season, we hope to find the right opportunity in one of the remaining five-furlong Group Ones."