New Approach back in Epsom Derby picture Jim Bolger has left dual 2000 Guineas runner-up New Approach in the Vodafone Epsom Derby. Connections have been heartened by current ground conditions and how the colt has come out of the Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas nine days ago when he was second to Henrythenavigator. John Ferguson, bloodstock advisor to Sheikh Mohammed, whose wife Princess Haya of Jordan owns the horse said: "I received a phone call from Jim Bolger saying that New Approach was in exceptional form and had come out of the Irish 2000 Guineas really well. "He recommended that if the ground was suitable that the horse take his chance in the Derby. "I passed the message on to Sheikh Mohammed who agrees that as long as the horse is 100% and the ground is suitable the horse will run. It´s very exciting." Epsom clerk of the course Andrew Cooper is happy that New Approach is among the 18 acceptors. "I am delighted to see New Approach in there. For the first time in the entry system Mr Bolger has physically had to state that he is leaving the horse in," said Cooper. "I know it?s not the final declaration stage but we are delighted nevertheless. We?ve got three supplementary entries which is excellent and we are in for a tantalising race." Cooper described the going as good to soft and although today started dry, rain is expected later and overnight. "The forecast for rain ranges from six millimetres to up to an inch. We?ll just have to see what comes," he continued. "That could be the last bit of appreciable rain for a few days though we could get some light rain at the end of the week." New Approach, who had been the ante-post Derby favourite over the winter, was re-installed as a 6-1 chance with Ladbrokes. Their spokesman David Williams said: "Punters have been thrown a lifeline by Jim Bolger. They?ll now be scurrying around searching for those ante-post vouchers they nursed all winter. "New Approach was an exceptional two-year old and it?ll be fantastic for bookies and punters to see him at Epsom after all." Vodafone Derby, Ladbrokes bet: 3-1 Casual Conquest, 4-1 Curtain Call, 6-1 New Approach, Tajaaweed, 7-1 Tartan Bearer, 8-1 Doctor Fremantle, 14-1 Rio De La Plata, Frozen Fire, 20-1 Kandahar Run, King Of Rome, 25-1 Alessandro Volta, Bronze Cannon, 33-1 bar.
