Bosustow scores emphatic win in Gold Coast Guineas

Connections of Bosustow celebrated a deeply emotional victory on Saturday as the talented colt stormed to a dominant win in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m), delivering a fitting tribute to his namesake, the late West Australian football great Peter Bosustow.

Prepared by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the three-year-old colt was named in honour of the former Carlton forward, who passed away two weeks ago at the age of 67 following a long battle with cancer. Racing first-up on a Heavy track, Bosustow defied pre-race concerns to bolt in by six lengths under Josh Parr as a $7.50 chance.

“I messaged Mitho [Anthony Mithen] and Macca [Ryan McEvoy] at 6.30am this morning to say that I wasn’t sure about a Heavy 8 track,” Annabel Archibald said. “He didn’t handle a Soft 7 track 12 months ago in the Champagne Stakes, so I was a little bit worried but to the boys’ credit they said let’s have a crack.”

“It was an amazing win and I’m sure Peter Bosustow was carrying him the whole way there because it was a dominant win.”

A $900,000 son of Blue Point, Bosustow was named on the recommendation of racing personality Nigel Carmody, referencing his Perth links through superstar half-sister Amelia’s Jewel. The real-life Bosustow had closely followed the colt’s career before his recent passing.

The victory was made all the more impressive given the conditions, and Bosustow has now emerged as a legitimate Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap contender, with a likely path through the Group 3 Fred Best Classic later this month.

“He’s twice Group 1 placed, so hopefully we can go one better,” Archibald said. “We’re here for a three-pronged attack, it’s onto the Fred Best next and then the Stradbroke is his grand final.”

Following Bosustow’s eye-catching return, punters are already circling him for the Brisbane Winter Carnival’s premier sprints. For the best odds on all key races, including the Stradbroke, check out the leading Australian betting sites.