Group One clash worth the wait

IT MIGHT be four days late and in the "wrong" place, but when it comes to Duke Of Marmalade versus New Approach it really is a case of better late than never.

The star Irish colts line up in today's rescheduled Juddmonte International at Newmarket, which has come to the rescue after York's Ebor festival wash-out.

The late cancellation of the prestigious Group One on Tuesday meant Duke Of Marmalade had already landed at Leeds airport, and Aidan O'Brien's superstar four-year-old now faces two cross-sea trips in five days.

He will be joined in the 11-strong field by his stable companion Red Rock Canyon, who can cut out pace-setting duties if required.

In contrast, New Approach endured a less stressful week, having made it to Dublin airport on Tuesday morning but no further.

"He left the yard at 4.30 and was at the airport when we got a call saying the meeting was in doubt. We brought him home and the whole thing took only about five hours," said Jim Bolger yesterday. "He cantered when he came back and was fresh and well. He's been that way since."

New Approach is having his first start since the English Derby, but has fully recovered from the injury that prevented him running in the Irish Derby.

Newmarket's ground was riding on the fast side of good yesterday and the Bolger team received a perfect boost with the Yorkshire Oaks success of Lush Lashes.

Other Irish Group One interest this weekend will rest with David Wachman's Bushranger, who is one of 15 lining up for tomorrow's Group One Darley Prix Morny at Deauville.

The Anglesey Stakes winner joins six British-trained runners in the six furlong event, which was won by Tommy Stack's Myboycharlie last year.

Tomorrow's pre-race focus is likely to rest, however, with the local hope Naaqoos, who bids to secure trainer Freddie Head a little bit of Deauville history.

Victory for Naaqoos will give Head a clean sweep of the Norman festival's four Group One races this month, and the Sheikh Hamdan-owned colt is reputed to be potentially top class.

Bushranger will provide a test of Mastercraftsman's Phoenix Stakes form, as the Wachman runner finished third to the 2,000 Guineas favourite at the Curragh this month.

Before that he had been beaten Westphalia in the Group Three Anglesey.