Graham Richards begins a series highlighting the top two-year-olds of 2007

Henrythenavigator | Kingsgate Native | Myboycharlie | New Approach | Proviso | Raven's Pass | Rio De La Plata | Winker Watson | Zarkava |

NEW APPROACH (IRE) 2-y-o (18 Feb 2005) ch c

Galileo (IRE) - Park Express (Ahonoora)
Trainer: J S Bolger
FSF: 148

Four-generation pedigree

Four wins from four runs for Jim Bolger’s new star. This time last season, Bolger had the racing world buzzing with Teofilo (by the same sire); sadly, that fellow was unable to show his prowess as a three-year-old. I will quickly set out my stall with regard to the comparisons between the two horses.

Teofilo went into winter quarters my top FSF rated two-year-old on a figure of 162. New Approach is currently on an FSF rating of 148; from a ratings perspective he has an awful lot to find to be compared with last years champion juvenile. The main reason for the gap in ratings is his time figure element. Quite simply, New Approach is yet to run a top class time. Visually he is a very impressive animal, he gallops and quickens. Having viewed his races several times, he is yet to be seriously challenged in the closing stages. Throwing down the gauntlet a quarter of a mile from home, he has comfortably held the oppositions best efforts.

Given the stamina in his breeding, the fact he has shown a good turn of foot mid-race is, in itself, impressive. His dam stayed ten-furlongs in Group One Company; his sire is fast becoming one of the best sources for stamina in Group class horses. Soldier Of Fortune, Red Rocks, Sixties Icon, Mahler, Allegretto, and Purple Moon are shining examples of Galileo’s stamina endowed offspring. At this stage, I feel he is potentially top class. However, I thought Rio De Plata received a disappointing ride in Ireland. He finished full of running, having not been knocked about at any stage. In comparison, New Approach was hit with the whip at least seven times from the two-furlong pole. I feel the next time they meet it will be a close run affair.

To fully convince me he is the real deal, he needs to clock a Group One time. In addition, I will be fascinated to see what he finds when he is challenged in the final half-furlong. His trainer has compared his style of racing to the legendary Secretariat. Given his experience, Jim Bolger’s remarks should be treated with the utmost respect. Whether New Approach has a heart the size of that most awesome of horses remains to be seen. Future visits to the racecourse promise to be both intriguing and illuminating.

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