Dawn Approach is firmly on course for the May 4 Two Thousand Guineas at
Newmarket, trainer Jim Bolger announced Monday. Godolphin’s unbeaten National
and Dewhurst hero was the subject of discussion at an organized press conference
and the master of Coolcullen revealed that all was going to plan as he held
court.
“We’ve had a clear run with him since the Dewhurst last year — no hiccups,”
he explained. “We’ve had no hitches whatsoever. We had very little frost and he
has never missed a day’s exercise. He came in his coat very quickly — he had a
good coat on him about five weeks ago.
“He is a big horse — 500 kilos. He’s about eight kilos heavier than at
Newmarket, but he will give us back two before the Guineas.
“I would be happy with his development — he is a much stronger horse this
year. He will do a bit at home on Friday or Saturday depending on how he comes
out of this — and then have another bit next Tuesday.”
Dawn Approach may be joined by his stable companion, the Dewhurst runner-up
Leitir Mor, if his trainer decides that there is not enough pace on offer in the
mile classic.
“I’d like it to be a true-run race,” he added. “We have Leitir Mor in it, but
he’s also in the French Guineas. It would be difficult to do the two, but we’ll
see nearer the time what’s entered. (Coolmore trainer) Aidan (O’Brien) usually
ensures there’s a good pace in the Guineas, so we may take a tow from him.”
As far as a potential tilt at the June 1 Epsom Derby, Bolger is playing the
waiting game.
“I would say a mile suits him very well and we will have to see after that,”
he continued. “Maybe he will get a mile an a half — he switches off so well,
it’s possible he could get it. And he’s a very balanced horse as well. But
because of his pedigree, we will just have to wait and see.”
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