Dawn Approach has emerged a surprise contender for next Tuesday’s St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Godolphin’s 2,000 Guineas hero was originally thought to be an unlikely runner in the mile heat after finishing last in the Derby at Epsom earlier this month.
However, trainer Jim Bolger reports his Classic winner on course for a return to a mile, subject to a gallop today.
He told www.godolphin.com: “He’s been left in the St James’s Palace Stakes and, subject to a satisfactory piece of work on Thursday, he is an intended runner.”
Godolphin’s racing manager Simon Crisford said: “Jim is very happy with how Dawn Approach has done since the Derby and he is keen to let him run at Royal Ascot if everything continues to go well with his preparation between now and the race on Tuesday.
“We had a discussion this morning and decided to let him run if he pleases in his work on Thursday.
“Jim has been delighted with how relaxed Dawn Approach has been in his training.”
Meanwhile, Paul Deegan is confident coming back in distance will bring out the best in Sruthan in the Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown tonight.
The three-year-old looked a smart recruit when making a winning debut at Dundalk in late March and confirmed that impression when winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes at the Curragh last month.
Refused to settle
He refused to settle and was well beaten into fifth when encountering a mile and a quarter in the Gallinule Stakes last time and is back over seven furlongs for his latest Group Three assignment.
Deegan said: “He looks great since his last run and I think he has strengthened up again. The ground should be good for him and we’re looking forward to coming back in trip. It’s a tight little race – anything could win it – but our lad is getting a bit of weight and hopefully that might make the difference.
“I think if he can reproduce his run in the Tetrarch Stakes, he’ll give them all something to think about.”
Ger Lyons saddles his admirable filly Lily’s Angel, a fine third behind the late Henry Cecil-trained Chigun at the Curragh on her latest run. Lyons said: “She’s consistent and tough and the only problem for her now is she has to carry a Group Three penalty.
“She’s a rock-solid Group Three horse and the ground is right for her, so I’d rather have her in the race than not.
“She’s been on the go a while now, but she’s showing plenty of enthusiasm and is in really good order, so we’ll let her have a go.”
A field of six are set to go to post, with Aidan O’Brien’s Reply stepping back up in class following an impressive Listed-race win at Naas.
Jim Bolger runs Leitir Mor, with Dermot Weld's Yellow Rosebud and the Ken Condon-trained Bold Thady Quill completing the line-up. However, it may be best to take a chance with Sruthan.
