St James's Palace Stakes Preview: Ascot, 16 June 2026

The Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes at Ascot brings six three-year-old colts together over a mile on good-to-firm turf. This is a tight affair at the top, with three runners separated by just 34 points in RaceMetrics Combined Score — but the Form Expert data reveals clear winners and clear struggles in these exact conditions.

The Selection: Bow Echo

Bow Echo is the pick. He holds a RaceMetrics Rating of 1573 and a Combined Score of 1529, but the Form Expert figures tell the decisive story: he has won all three of his starts on turf over good going, and he has won all three Class 1 starts. That's a 100% strike rate in the two conditions that matter most here. Yes, he's untried at Ascot and hasn't run for 45 days, but his form on good ground in top-class company is flawless. Billy Loughnane in the saddle adds a seasoned hand.

The Dangers

Gstaad is the obvious threat and the betting favourite at 3.25. He brings legitimate Ascot form—a win from one run at the track—and a RaceMetrics Rating of 1590, the highest in the field. On turf over good going, he has three wins from five runs. However, his Class 1 record is 2 wins from 5 runs, which is respectable but not the pristine 4/4 that Bow Echo offers. At 1.83, Bow Echo is the second favourite, suggesting the market respects both colts evenly.

Talk Of New York cannot be ignored. He is 2 wins from 2 runs on good turf and won his sole Class 1 start. His Combined Score of 1563 ranks him first, and his RaceMetrics Rating of 1557 is solid. He's fit and sharp—last run 19 days ago—and will have every chance. At 6.50, he offers value relative to his data.

At A Price

Puerto Rico at 15.00 is an interesting flutter. He's won once from three starts on good turf and has one Class 1 win from four attempts. The concern is the massive 276-day absence, which makes a return to form uncertain despite a respectable RaceMetrics Rating of 1549. Skip unless you fancy the comeback angle.

Verdict

Bow Echo at 1.83 to win. His 100% record on good turf and in Class 1 company is unmatched; Gstaad and Talk Of New York both carry losses in these exact conditions.