Dawn Approach the class horse but value lies with Declaration of War
Published:The redemption of Dawn Approach in the St James’ Palace Stakes was a fantastic sight and there is nothing to suggest he cannot make it nine from 10 at Glorious Goodwood.
After Derby disappointment, in which Jim Bolger’s prized asset pulled desperately hard and failed miserably at a mile-and-four furlongs, just 17 days later the former champion-two-year-old proved he is still the class miler of his generation.
Kevin Manning pushed him to the front inside the final furlong and he battled it out with rival Toronado to claim the prize money. It is difficult to oppose him here and his 11/10 odds reflect his chances appropriately – this looks to be another penalty kick for the talented colt.
6/4 shot Toronado, who could not make an impression on Dawn Approach in the 2000 Guineas, got a lot closer last time and battled it out until the line, putting in a performance worthy of the praise connections have lavished on him. A similar performance would see him nailed on for a place but whether he will be capable of reversing form is debatable. The grinding, workman-like Dawn Approach refused to let him past last time and it will be the case again at Goodwood.
With both at short odds and an each-way price unavailable on the Hannon horse, value seekers will be intrigued by Ballymore’s Declaration of War, 4/1. Aidan O’Brien has won this race four times already and the Royal Ascot winner represents an excellent chance.
His latest race saw him finish second to the excellent Al Kazeem in the Eclipse, but he looks more naturally suited to a mile. His win in the Queen Anne Stakes, in which he had several reopposing rivals behind, was a fantastic performance.
He has plenty of scope and with only one performance in a Group 1 mile that reflected his true ability, he is certainly open to improvement and could push the market leaders all the way.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
