RACING/CURRAGH IRISH ST LEGER:LESS THAN an hour after 2012's Classic campaign in Ireland and Britain has wound up, Dawn Approach will be expected to stamp his ante-post authority on the 2013 Classic picture.
Jim Bolger’s unbeaten son of New Approach is already as low as 7 to 1 favourite for next year’s 2,000 Guineas and 16 to 1 for the Derby, after four impressive wins that encouraged Godolphin to pull out their cheque book during the summer.
Dawn Approach has his first outing in the famous blue colours in the race known as the National Stakes which his sire New Approach triumphed in five years ago.
Bolger also runs Leitir Mor who finally broke his duck in a Group Three last weekend and the Group One is shaping up as a Coolmore vs Coolcullen heat with Mick Channon sending the German Group Three winner Ayaar.
Better ground could be crucial to Cristoforo Colombo’s chances of reversing Coventry Stakes form with Dawn Approach but that should also be of assistance to the Bolger star.
“He’s ready to run. All the two-year-old races in Ireland are competitive and this is no exception,” Bolger said yesterday.
The Aga Khan’s French rider Christophe Lemaire travels to the Curragh for the St Leger ride on Hartani but also teams up with the newcomer, Zand, from the family of Zarkava, in the opening maiden.
Fairy Wing couldn’t overcome a wide draw at Leopardstown last week and may be worth a shout in the mile-handicap while Dermot Weld’s call to give the €350,000 Rasmeyaa her debut in Listed company looks significant.
