Dawn Approach set for Champions Day swansong

Dawn Approach heading down to the start for his Duel on the Downs battle with Toronado. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

Jim Bolger has confirmed that Dawn Approach is ready to put into practice the final preparations ahead of his final clash with Toronado in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Saturday 19 October.

The three-year-old, who won the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas this season, failed to beat Toronado in their latest meeting at Glorious Goodwood, as the Richard Hannon-trained colt proved too strong in his half-a-length victory.

Previous to Goodwood, Dawn Approach was undefeated against Toronado, beating him convincingly in his British Classic success at Newmarket, before winning narrowly in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Connections will be hoping that he will bounce back to his best on British Champions Day, especially after disappointing in the Prix Jacques le Marois.

Bolger blamed Dawn Approach’s bad scope as the main reason as to why he did not perform in France.

However, the Irish trainer now believes that the son of New Approach is at the ‘top of his game’ ahead of his final rematch with Toronado.

Bolger said: “All has been well since about 10 days ago and he’s at the top of his game at the moment, so we’ll start getting him ready for Ascot shortly.

"They can’t run well with mucus. He was scoped two days before the race (Prix Jacques le Marois) and he was clean. Then, the day after the race he wasn’t.

"It’s reasonable to assume that he had mucus when he was running and that would account for his run.”

Tickets to see Dawn Approach and Toronado’s concluding epic encounter are still available here.

This, along with the world’s greatest middle distance horses fighting it out in the QIPCO Champion Stakes for one of the most prestigious titles in racing, is quickly building British Champions Day up to be an outstanding day’s racing. Do not miss out!