Racing: Bolger talks up new approach

The big race action moves on to Ireland this weekend and their version of both the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas.

The latter is on Saturday and we look set to relish a rematch from Newmarket three weeks ago and the UK 2000 Guineas; both winner Henrythenavigator and runner-up, the previously unbeaten New Approach, now owned by Princess Haya Bint Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, look set to renew rivalry. Godolphin’s Ibn Khaldun, a big disappointment at Newmarket, could also bid to repair his reputation tarnished on the Rowley Mile.

Intriguingly, New Approach’s trainer, Jim Bolger, is also set to run debutant Luminaire who he insists is not in the field as a pacemaker for his more illustrious stable companion: "I’d be hoping he’ll finish in the first four, as this horse is running on his own rights," said Bolger, who will be bidding for his first win in this race. Confirming that New Approach was in good shape, he added: "If he’s as well as I am, he’ll run, and the ground will not matter. The going is not a concern."

Lambourn trainer Brendan Duke looks set to saddle arguably the most interesting contender in Sammy The Snake; winner of his sole start, on the Curragh, as a juvenile 14 months ago. That was on heavy ground so the forecast rain will probably be well appreciated.

Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien offered a note of weather caution: "Henrythenavigator would run only if the ground is good to firm, and Jupiter Pluvius is also a possible at this stage."