Distant Storm third as Bow Echo dominates G1 2,000 Guineas

Distant Storm finished third in the G1 2,000 Guineas as another Night Of Thunder colt, Bow Echo, produced a superb display to take the Newmarket Classic in commanding fashion on Saturday, 2 May. 

Making his first start since finishing third in the G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes, the Charlie Appleby-trained Distant Storm was quickly into his stride and raced in third of a group of five that stayed towards the far rail.

A host of runners looked to hold chances after the field converged over two furlongs out, with Distant Storm laying down his challenge and King’s Trail briefly pressing for the lead towards the stands’ side before Bow Echo and Gstaad started to quicken away from the field. 

Bow Echo took control from a drifting Gstaad entering the final furlong, scoring by nearly three lengths as the front two pulled eight lengths clear of Distant Storm, who stayed on under William Buick to take third with just under half a furlong to race.

Charlie Appleby said: “Distant Storm ran a good race, and Will feels that he will come forward a bit for the run. We were a bit further behind Gstaad than we were in the Dewhurst, but Will was pleased and felt that he got a lovely run. Full credit to the winner – he routed them and I felt they were going good honest fractions.

“We might possibly look at the Irish 2,000 Guineas with Distant Storm and we will see how plans pan out over the next week or so. King’s Trail could head for something like the Dante, depending on how he comes out of the race. He might be a type for the Prix du Jockey Club.”