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New Approach is working wonders for Bolger’s colt
ANTE-POST markets are an integral
part of racing and it's hard
to ignore that throughout the
winter, New Approach (3.25) has
been a red-hot favourite for the
2,000 Guineas.
Jim Bolger's colt is carrying
the cash of the high-rollers in the
betting ring based on excellent
vibes emerging from the Emerald
Isle over the past few months.
Most of those investors have already
got a big stash in the bank
and they aren't about to part
with their gilt if New Approach
delivers on cue.
A potted history of New Approach's
career shows he was
was an invincible two-year-old,
winning all five starts, including
the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes.
Owned at the time by the Bolger
family, the son of Galileo was
then bought to compete in the
colours of Princess Haya, wife of
Sheikh Mohammed.
There are numerous instances
of the Maktoums lashing out
huge dough, only to have purchased
a pup, but not this time,
such is the prodigious talent of
New Approach.
It's a mega-blow to our region
that we've not a single runner in
either of the weekend Classics,
thankfully though we have a few
decent chances on the supporting
cards.
One definite each-way possibility
is previous Newmarket
scorer Fantasy Believer (4.00),
who is extremely well-handicapped
in the six-furlong Heritage
Handicap.
Two years ago John Quinn's
evergreen speed merchant won
at the track off a mark of 104, a
rating which has now plummeted
to 89 due to a long losing
streak.
At ten years of age some would
argue Fantasy Believer may
never recapture the dash that
has seen him secure 17 victories
in a magnificent career.
That argument may yet ring
true, however off such a lenient
level, the risk of a small win and
place bet looks well worth taking.
For the third time this week
Mark Johnston has set his fans a
wicked conundrum by fielding
two fancied runners in one race.
The individuals involved are
Robby Bobby and Arctic Cape
(2.10), both engaged in the opening
mile-and-quarter Stan James
Handicap.
Johnston was very keen on
Robby Bobby at the start of the
season, but the trainer's confidence
took a knock when the
stocky colt flopped on his Ripon
re-appearance.
On the other hand, Arctic Cape
ran a stormer on his recent comeback,
finishing fourth in a stunningly
competitive one-miler at
Sandown.
Presented with that evidence
any judge and jury in the land
would give Arctic Cape (2.10) the
verdict, especially as he was a tad
too keen for his good at Sandown.
Anyone going to this evening's
Doncaster meeting might consider
supporting Michael Dods'
promising filly Celtic Lynn (6.45).
Although the daughter of
Celtic Swing didn't make the
course as a juvenile, such happenings
can often be a blessing in
disguise.
The proof of the pudding is in
the eating, and there was no disguising
the immense promise of
Celtic Lynn's Thirsk debut, when
running on nicely to nab third
spot.
If this year's top crop of threeyear-
old fillies don't get your sap
rising then I'd advise taking up a
more sedate hobby.
Four of the best line up in tomorrow's
1,000 Guineas, namely
Natagora, Infallible, Muthabara
and Spacious, all of whom look
very special.
It's a devil of job trying to predict
precisely which one will
come out as leader of the pack,
not to mention a few useful outsiders
seeking to topple the lot, so
I'll simply have a stab at unbeaten
Muthabara (3.20).
There aren't many living legends
around but with ten English
Classics under his belt, John
Dunlop is undoubtedly a fully
paid-up member of that exclusive
club. A last-minute setback has
curbed Dunlop's enthusiasm, but
he said: "Muthabara has a small
bruise under the shoe on her
near-fore, but I am hopeful of a
full recovery."
9:53am Saturday 3rd May 2008
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