Dawn Approach in shock Royal Ascot appearance

Photo: Emma-Louise Kerwin (Goodtosoft.co.uk)
Two weeks after finishing last in the Epsom Derby, Dawn Approach is back in surprising circumstances and Jim Bolger is expecting his three old Classic winner to be back to his very best in the St James' Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Just seven days ago, Jim Bolger was clear in his comment that no further plans had been made for the three year old son of New Approach, adding that he would be 'worth the wait' when reappearing. However, a U-turn was commenced on Wednesday as Dawn Approach was entered in the Group 1 St James' Palace Stakes with Bolger confirming that it was the intention to run dependant on the outcome of the colts work on Thursday.
That work went to plan with Godolphin providing Bolger with their full backing to run Dawn Approach at the Royal Ascot meeting in the St James' Palace Stakes. 
"Jim [Bolger] is very happy with how Dawn Approach has done since the Derby and he is keen to let him run at Royal Ascot if everything continues to go well" said Simon Crisford, Racing Manager for Godolphin, "Jim has been delighted with how relaxed Dawn Approach has been in his training.".
Many a year has passed since the last shock decision made at the hands of legendary Irish trainer Jim Bolger, but it is still a characteristic that we come to expect with the master of Coolcullen. Having left New Approach in the 2008 Epsom Derby, seemingly without an intention to run in the British Classic, Bolger declared his star for the Epsom event to the dismay and anger of many a British punter. New Approach would go on to win the Epsom Derby that year and receive a muted response upon entering the winners enclosure due to dismay at Bolger's alleged misleading of the British betting public.
Toronado will reoppose with Dawn Approach after disappointing in the English 2,000 Guineas when fading back to fourth after being hyped as the best horse Richard Hughes has ever ridden. Hughes will partner Toronado oncemore as the son of High Chaparral begins his Classic season recovery mission.
Glory Awaits also reappears in this contest having outrun his odds of 150-1 in the English 2,000 Guineas to finish a late-closing second. Jamie Spencer gets the ride. 
Aidan O'Brien has won the St James' Palace Stakes on no fewer than six occasions but has notably gone three years without victory in this contest. This year he is represented by the Irish 2,000 Guineas victor Magician, Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf winner George Vancouver and one-time Epsom Derby favourite Mars in this contest.
Despite the question marks over the participation of Magician after the colt sustained minor bruising during a final work, Joseph O'Brien will partner the impressive Classic winner in a bid to dethrone Dawn Approach from the top of the three year old division. 
Mikael Dezangles' Mshawish, Craven Stakes second-place Dundonnell and Jim Bolger's Leitir Mor round out the field of nine entrants. 

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