British trainer George Boughey will saddle one of the most talked-about runners of the weekend when Survie (IRE) lines up in Saturday’s Group 1 Neom Turf Cup, a race firmly identified as the mare’s first major objective following her eye-catching arrival from France.
The four-year-old daughter of Churchill only changed hands in early December, when she was offered at the Tattersalls sales in Newmarket and secured by Michael and Doreen Tabor for 1,900,000 guineas. Already proven at the highest level, Survie now seeks to translate that reputation into Group 1 success under new management.
Formerly trained by Nicolas Clément and Frauke Hermans, Survie had long advertised her quality. She came agonisingly close to elite honours in the French Oaks and produced bold efforts in both the Prix Jean Romanet and the Pretty Polly Stakes, performances that stamped her as a top-class middle-distance mare.
Boughey wasted little time mapping out a clear route, pinpointing the Neom Turf Cup as a suitable early-season target. A preparatory outing at Lingfield earlier this month saw Survie ease clear in a 2000-metre conditions race, a performance that served its purpose without revealing her full hand.
Speaking from his British base, Boughey expressed quiet confidence in how the plan has unfolded. He explained that the Lingfield run was designed purely as a stepping stone and reported that the mare has travelled and trained smoothly since.
The return to a 2100-metre trip on quicker ground is expected to play to Survie’s strengths, particularly after her final European appearance came over a longer distance in testing conditions. Connections believe the change in environment and race setup could unlock further improvement.
Neom Turf Cup a Calculated Step Forward
Boughey is no stranger to operating on racing’s biggest stages. Since sending out his first runners in 2019, he has rapidly established himself among Britain’s leading trainers, highlighted by Classic success in the 1000 Guineas and a notable international Group 1 victory last season.
He also brings valuable experience of the Neom Turf Cup, having finished fourth in the race previously. That familiarity has sharpened attention to key factors, including the starting positions and the demands of the course configuration.
Ryan Moore is set to partner Survie, having already ridden and exercised the mare at home. Boughey indicated that the jockey’s knowledge of the track and feel for the filly have added to the team’s confidence heading into the weekend.
For the Tabors, Survie represents a significant addition to their international string, while for Boughey, she marks an important milestone as his first horse trained independently for the owners. Expectations are measured but optimistic, with the emphasis firmly on performance rather than pressure.
As Survie steps onto the global stage once more, the Neom Turf Cup offers an ideal opportunity to confirm that her talent can be converted into top-level success.
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