Dawn Approach in top form for QIPCO 2000 Guineas

Dawn Approach on the gallops this morning with his trainer, Jim Bolger. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

At today’s media visit to Jim Bolger’s stable, Dawn Approach completed another step in his preparation for his date with destiny on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile a week on Saturday (4 May) in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, the race which opens the 2013 QIPCO British Champions Series.

Bolger is delighted with his unbeaten colt, who worked at Beechy Park with stable companion Light Heavy over seven furlongs this morning.

Kevin Manning, who has ridden Dawn Approach in all his races, was in the saddle.

"We’ve had a clear run with him since the Dewhurst Staks last year – no hiccups," said Bolger afterwards.

"We’ve had no hitches whatsoever. We had very little frost and he has never missed a day’s exercise.

"He came in his coat very quickly – he had a good coat on him about five weeks ago.

"He is a big horse – 500 kilos. He’s about eight kilos heavier than at Newmarket, but he will give us back two before the Guineas.

"I would be happy with his development – he is a much stronger horse this year.

"I would say a mile suits him very well and we will have to see after that.

"Maybe he will get a mile an a half – he switches off so well, it’s possible he could get it. And he’s a very balanced horse as well. But because of his pedigree we will just have to wait and see.

"He will do a bit at home on Friday or Saturday depending on how he comes out of this – and then have another bit next Tuesday."