'Let the best horse win' - Bolger
Thursday 1st May, 2008
New Approach gallops at trainer Jim Bolger's Co.Carlow base - pic: Dan Abrahams
JIM Bolger recently stated that the stanjamesuk.com 2000 Guineas (The 200th Running) wouldn’t lack for class.
The Irish trainer was certainly spot on with that assessment as a superb field of 15 was finalised today at the 48-hour declaration stage.
Bolger will field the star turn in the shape of big-race favourite New Approach. An unbeaten winner of five races at two, he will lock horns again with a familiar rival in the shape of Raven’s Pass.
The pair clashed in an outstanding renewal of the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last October when New Approach won from Fast Company with Raven’s Pass back in third.
It may have been that the ground was against Raven’s Pass on that occasion but his connections are eager for the rematch.
Ibn Khaldun is a worthy third favourite, based on a fine Group 1 win in the Racing Post Trophy on his final start as a two-year-old. He didn’t nothing but improve last season and if he has progressed again will likely play his part in a thrilling conclusion to Saturday’s showdown.
Scintillo is another Group 1 winner to take his chance, while Strike The Deal has smart form in the book, not least a Richmond Stakes win and a runner-up effort in the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes.
Last year’s Coventry Stakes winner Henrythenavigator and Plan represent Aidan O’Brien, who has trained two of the last three 2000 Guineas winners.
Unexposed talent in the shape of Fireside, Moynahan and Perfect Stride can’t be ruled out, while Listed winner Stimulation is a horse on the upgrade.
The field is completed by Dream Eater, Alfathaa, Bahamian Kid and Stubbs Art.
“It will be a terrific race – let the best horse win,” sums up Bolger.
But will he have the last word on Saturday?