Telling the truth a New Approach
June 8th 2008 10:00
New Approach won the 2008 Epsom Derby with a brilliant finishing sprint in the straight that saw jockey Kevin Manning weave a path through a bunched field, diving across to the rails when an opening appeared, and forging to the lead to hold out Tartan Bearer by a half length.
(photo: Racing Post)
New Approach was the European Champion Juvenile (unbeaten) of 2007 and has always previously preferred a racing style of making the pace from the front. Twice he has been beaten by Henrythenavigator . First in the English 2,000 Guineas, and subsequently the Irish 2,000 Guineas, and both occasions when he led and was out sprinted (outstayed?) to the line. When trainer Jim Bolger stated time and time again that he would not run in the Epsom Derby - that he was too brilliant for the staying test - it was easy to conclude that this was the plan and the truth. In April this was stated, and every subsequent month and opportunity until last week when declaring that he had been left in the Derby field by mistake (??) - but now might run. He started at 5/1 but was as much as 209/1 on Bettfair very recently. Five days ago Jim Bolger dropped a bombshell by saying that New Approach had recovered from his Irish 2,000 Guineas defeat better than anticipated - and would now start. When is a mistake a mistake, and not a misspeak? (as Hillary Clinton would say) I can’t help but feel that we were misled.
Not only did New Approach run in the Derby, but he was restrained and (eventually, after anxious moments of reef and tear) settled well near the tail of the field. Perhaps being hidden in the ruck helped his cause. He did not spend excess energy from that point and was able to produce his electric sprint in the concluding stages. Surprise after surprise. Runner-up Tartan Bearer was level with New Approach at the tail of the field and made his run wide and with clear sailing. He seemed set for victory as he passed the favourite Casual Conquest while the green and black colours of New Approach were hidden in a montage of other colours (other horses) with no clear room. But then, as it can when horses tire at a staying trip, a gap appeared to the inside and Manning steered and New Approach exploded.
The inexperienced Casual Conquest can only continue to improve, and Tartan Bearer was an impressive second. New Approach is from a strong family and with speed and stamina he appeals as a popular stallion for the future.
I wonder what the connections of Henrythenavigator were feeling as the twice defeated New Approach swept to victory. Such a preamble of intrigue, subterfuge, shenanigans and ‘changed minds’.
Actually, I think I’ve read the book by Dick Francis. It all seems vaguely theatrical and familiar.
Epsom Derby 2008:
New Approach heading for Derby victory
(photo: Racing Post)
New Approach was the European Champion Juvenile (unbeaten) of 2007 and has always previously preferred a racing style of making the pace from the front. Twice he has been beaten by Henrythenavigator . First in the English 2,000 Guineas, and subsequently the Irish 2,000 Guineas, and both occasions when he led and was out sprinted (outstayed?) to the line. When trainer Jim Bolger stated time and time again that he would not run in the Epsom Derby - that he was too brilliant for the staying test - it was easy to conclude that this was the plan and the truth. In April this was stated, and every subsequent month and opportunity until last week when declaring that he had been left in the Derby field by mistake (??) - but now might run. He started at 5/1 but was as much as 209/1 on Bettfair very recently. Five days ago Jim Bolger dropped a bombshell by saying that New Approach had recovered from his Irish 2,000 Guineas defeat better than anticipated - and would now start. When is a mistake a mistake, and not a misspeak? (as Hillary Clinton would say) I can’t help but feel that we were misled.
Not only did New Approach run in the Derby, but he was restrained and (eventually, after anxious moments of reef and tear) settled well near the tail of the field. Perhaps being hidden in the ruck helped his cause. He did not spend excess energy from that point and was able to produce his electric sprint in the concluding stages. Surprise after surprise. Runner-up Tartan Bearer was level with New Approach at the tail of the field and made his run wide and with clear sailing. He seemed set for victory as he passed the favourite Casual Conquest while the green and black colours of New Approach were hidden in a montage of other colours (other horses) with no clear room. But then, as it can when horses tire at a staying trip, a gap appeared to the inside and Manning steered and New Approach exploded.
The inexperienced Casual Conquest can only continue to improve, and Tartan Bearer was an impressive second. New Approach is from a strong family and with speed and stamina he appeals as a popular stallion for the future.
I wonder what the connections of Henrythenavigator were feeling as the twice defeated New Approach swept to victory. Such a preamble of intrigue, subterfuge, shenanigans and ‘changed minds’.
Actually, I think I’ve read the book by Dick Francis. It all seems vaguely theatrical and familiar.
Epsom Derby 2008:
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