Convincing victory for New Approach

Curragh Report:New Approach has already had plenty of comparisons made for him, but Ireland's latest superstar two-year-old looks to be very much his own man after appearing to beat the best around in yesterday's Bank of Scotland National Stakes at the Curragh.

In maintaining an unbeaten record in another race that his former stable companion, Teofilo, won last year, New Approach has a standard to aspire to close to home. His trainer, Jim Bolger, has also described him as a "European Secretariat", in reference to the legendary 1973 US Triple Crown winner.

But there was enough in New Approach's length and three quarter defeat of Rio De La Plata yesterday, with Myboycharlie back in third, to suggest it is well within the big chestnut's ability to carve out a unique niche for himself next year.

Bookmaker reaction was to make him as low as 3 to 1 favourite for the 2,000 Guineas and a 5 to 1 market leader for the Derby. Jockey Kevin Manning neatly summed it up when asserting: "He's a serious horse with a serious engine."

Manning's job yesterday, however, didn't appear to be completely straightforward, and compared to the textbook nature of last year's champion juvenile Teofilo, New Approach looks to present more of a temperamental challenge.

He refused to enter the parade ring and had a lead horse with him at the start. After quickly taking the lead, he also appeared to be lug off the rail at stages, and it's a tribute to their respective talents that he, and Manning, ultimately made it look as comfortable as it did.

"He is extremely talented," said Bolger, who appeared ready to take or leave an attempt at Newmarket's Dewhurst Stakes next month. "There was greater sense of urgency for Teofilo to go there last year, because the Dewhurst had an edge on the National Stakes. But now this is the place to be. We will play it by ear about him running again."

Bolger's opposition appeared to agree with him, and Dermot Weld, whose Famous Name finished sixth, said: "They are the best two-year-olds in Europe."

Godolphin spokesman Simon Crisford nominated the Dewhurst next for Rio De La Plata, and added: "He's run a great race and we're very pleased with him. That was a huge race."

Sheikh Mohammed's disappointment for Godolphin will no doubt have been tempered by his recent purchase of a half share in New Approach, but Myboycharlie's connections were left wondering what might have happened with a clear run for their Prix Morny winner, who may not run again this year.

"He got shuffled back a bit in the first half of the race, which didn't help, but the winner was obviously the best horse," said Tommy Stack's son and assistant, Fozzie.

It was a much tighter finish to the opening juvenile maiden, but the result was another Bolger-Manning victory with Toirneach, who just edged out Greatwallofchina in a protracted duel. Rock Of Rochelle provided trainer Andrew Kinsella and the Brazilian rider Valdir DeSouza with a Listed victory as the colt beat Domingues for the Blenheim Stakes. "He got a chill after his last race and only started back this week, so we were worried. I think there's more to come with him," said Kinsella.

Fran Berry and Jessica Harrington combined to land the Group Three Solonaway Stakes with Jumbajukiba, who strode away from Cougar Bay and Lord Admiral in the closing stages of the mile contest.

"He was bought as a hurdler, but he could possibly go to Hong Kong," said Harrington's husband, Johnny.