NEW APPROACH : English Classic Scene Warms Up

Jim Bolger with New Approach (Racing Post)Last season’s champion English two-year-old New Approach is almost certain to miss the Epsom Derby and be kept for the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas and possibly the Irish Derby. The unbeaten colt purchased by Sheikh Mohammed at the end of last season had been as short as 3-1 for the Derby, but trainer Jim Bolger departed from tradition, at least in his reasoning, by declaring the major English classic as a race that does little for a stallion’s credentials.

“I do not think the Epsom Derby does that much for a stallion’s career, and I never said he was going to Epsom,” Bolger said.

“We’re going to take it step by step but Sheikh Mohammed, Princess Haya and (bloodstock advisor) John Ferguson have left the horse’s programme to me. “After he runs at Newmarket, we’ll see how that goes and make a decision from there. “But I would be more keen to go to the Irish Guineas with him and then to the Irish Derby”

The son of Galileo is now 9-4 favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. New Approach ruled over his peers last term winning all five of his starts, culminating in a half-length victory over Fast Company in the Dewhurst.

Jim Bolger’s classic-winning filly of last season, Finsceal Beo, meanwhile, will make her European return in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on May 25. Finsceal Beo won both the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas double last and was narrowly beaten in the French equivalent.

Extract from Stallions Daily Bulletin