Jim Bolger was given formal approval by Sheikh Mohammed to prepare pre-post favourite Dawn Approach for next year’s 2000 Guineas after the colt stretched his unbeaten record to six in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
It had not been announced by Godolphin as to whether they would move the chestnut to one of their own trainers or keep him with Bolger, but this solid two-and-three-quarter-length defeat of stablemate Leitir Mor was evidence there was no need to make any changes to his regime.
For a moment it looked as if Bolger might be sweeping to a fifth Dewhurst in seven years with the “wrong” horse as Dawn Approach had some difficulty in catching the dogged pacemaker Leitir Mor, but he rose to the challenge for Kevin Manning in the final furlong (200m) and passed the post in style.
He is a best-priced 5-1 to win the Guineas next May, a race in which his father New Approach narrowly lost his undefeated status but handsomely made amends in the Derby.
“We are very happy,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“I was impressed with him when he won his maiden and I thought he was a good horse. We were lucky.
“Good horses always find something and Insha’Allah he will be back for the 2000 Guineas.
“I think he will get a mile and a quarter (2000m) but I don’t know if he is a Derby horse yet.
“I think the trainer will see.”
When asked whether his acquisition would stay at Coolcullen, the Dubai ruler simply pointed to Bolger and said: “Yes.”
The trainer said he had no concerns during the race.
“There were no real anxious moments today,” he said.
“He just has a lazy style of racing and once Kevin wound him up, there were never any concerns.
“We needed a good pacemaker today and he has done his job very well.
“I think he will start off over a mile next year and take it from there.
“My previous four Dewhurst winners were pretty smart, but this one is right up there with them.
“He’s capable of ruling the roost.”
