Trainer Jim's correct Approach

Racing

Saturday, May 03, 2008

By Jimmy Walker

Trainer Jim Bolger is very much his own man and doesn't suffer fools gladly.

When he says something, he usually means it and goes straight to the heart of the argument.

That's why his announcement at a recent stable visit for the press that New Approach would miss the Derby and go instead for the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Irish Derby caught so many English visitors on the hop.

The Irish were not so much put out for they were used to Bolger's whims.

But he is a trainer beyond reproach and he knows what he is doing.

That's why New Approach looks very much the genuine article when he runs in today's 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket - a race which Bolger has never won.

Bolger, who has trained the top rated two-year-olds in 2006 and 2007, is riding high these days and, in New Approach, he has another unbeaten colt to rival Teofilio who produced similar results last season before running into an injury which ended his career.

Fortunately, New Approach is as fit as a fiddle and Bolger is already looking ahead to him winning today. Bolger said: "He's one of the best I've ever trained and it would be a big disappointment if he were to run badly. Quite frankly, everything about the horse suggests that he's exceptional."

New Approach has been ante-post favourite for the race throughout the winter after having won five two-year-old races, as was the case with Teofilio last year.

Bolger said: "New Approach is heavier and stronger than last year and has a marvellous constitution. He is very sound and a hardy horse. He will be accompanied to the start by his companion, Metamorphosis, which is the normal state of affairs. We don't want to take any chances.

"Horses like New Approach don't come around too often, so, when they do, you have to take all precautions."

Aidan O'Brien will be disappointed that Jupiter Pluvius is out of the Guineas.

Johnny Murtagh was set to ride him, but O'Brien has since stated that the horse has not scoped well.

Murtagh has been switched to Henrythenavigator, who won the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot last June.

The Guineas is a race which O'Brien knows all about winning and one of his best heroes was Rock of Gibraltar, who succeeded in 2002.

Of the others, Raven's Pass, trained by John Gosden, only just touched off in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket in April and would certainly have a major chance.

Stimulation, Strike The Deal and Ibn Khaldun are others to watch. My view, however, of the runner-up to New Approach is Ibn Khaldun, who won well at Doncaster last October and is trained by Saeed Bin Suroor.

Meanwhile, in the 1,000 Guineas on Sunday, Aidan O'Brien has Kitty Matcham and Savethisdanceforme.

Of this pair, I prefer the latter.

Dandy Man could return to the track in Haydock's Betfred.com Temple Stakes on May 24 as connections prepare their speedster for Royal Ascot.

The Mozart gelding has yet to make an appearance for Godolphin since being switched from the care of Tracey Collins and was not declared for Sunday's Stan James 08000 383384 Palace House Stakes.