Dewhurst result to make 2013 2,000 Guineas picture clearer

Dawn Approach sits clear at the head of the 2013 2,000 Guineas odds after winning all five starts this season and we will know if this price of 6/1 is justified after the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

The form of Dawn Approach cannot be knocked thus far, with two Group level victories, the latest of these when stepped up to 7f for the first time to land a Group One at the Curragh.

Another Group One victory in the Dewhurst would almost certainly confirm him as the star two-year-old of the season and a worthy short-price favourite for the Guineas next May.

The record of trainer Jim Bolger in the Dewhurst is another reason for punters to feel confident.

Bolger has saddled four of the last six winners of the contest, including Parish Hall 12 months ago.

Meanwhile, the horse has also displayed versatility to win on both soft and firm ground.

However, Dawn Approach is set to face some competition in the Dewhurst that are expected to remain some of his biggest rivals when returning to the racecourse next season.

Cristoforo Colombo is the second favourite in next year’s 2,000 Guineas betting, but has already been beaten by Dawn Approach in the Coventry Stakes this season.

But punters may want to remember that he was giving up valuable experience that day, while having the disadvantage of racing from the wrong side of the draw, which meant that he was racing away from the main pace.

Dundonnell is a third Dewhurst entrant that is prominent in next year’s 2,000 Guineas betting at 25/1.

He suffered a minor setback last time when second in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, but was inconvenienced by a slow pace that day and should get a better-suited quicker pace in the Dewhurst.

Ashdan is 20/1 to win the 2,000 Guineas and like Dawn Approach he is currently unbeaten, albeit after only two starts.

John Gosden’s runner has not been severely tested yet and may be one to pencil in for the Epsom Derby instead of the 2,000 Guineas as his breeding suggests he will be better over middle distances.

All odds and markets correct as of publication