The St. Jamess Palace has quickly gone from a race that didnt quite look to have the intrigue of years gone by to arguably the race of the week, never mind the day, thanks to the dramatic late decision to run 2000 Guineas hero and last seasons champion two-year-old
Dawn Approach (6/4). Before the announcement of Jim Bolgers stars intended participation, on what can only be described as a retrieval mission following his Derby capitulation, Id have said that Irish 2000 Guineas winner
Magician (7/4) was the one to beat. Aidan OBriens latest star was hugely impressive winning the first Irish classic of the season and hell no doubt be cherry ripe for this having swerved a tilt at Epsom. Magician will surely get a nice pace to aim at from his pace-making stable mates but Bolger has also left a potential trailblazer in there in
Letir Mor (66/1), a Group 3 winner over 7f last week. That should ensure Dawn Approach gets to run his race as he attempts to salvage his reputation, hell have to be over his Epsom exertions but providing there are no lasting scars from his Derby nightmare, and I doubt hed be running if it looked for one second like there was, he is easily the best horse in the race. Dawn Approach has the strongest form in the bag, was unbeaten prior to his Derby fiasco and is already a British classic winner at this distance. Magician of course has landed an Irish classic at the distance this season and will provide stiff opposition, as could the re-opposing
Toronado (7/2). Richard Hannons horse didnt deliver in the 2000 Guineas when last sighted but hed previously looked top class. The Hannon team do have a tendency to make excuses when one of their stars is beaten but they were quick to insist Toronado wasnt right when he was thrashed by Dawn Approach at Newmarket, and in light of him not looking to have not been one hundred per cent that day, if you think about it he actually ran a pretty good race to end up where he did. Ive been president of the Dawn Approach fan club from day one though and he ensured my first trip to Royal Ascot was a memorable one last year when running away with the Coventry. Although his Derby defeat still lingers fresh in the memory and will take time to get over I still cant bring myself to desert him and remain confident he can bounce right back to his best here and quickly make people remember just how good he is. Paddy Power are offering all What Culture readers a free bet of up to £50 for all new customers. This is a matched bet, meaning that if you bet £10 you get a £10 free bet... or a £50 initial bet is rewarded with a £50 free bet.
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Selection: Dawn Approach @ 6/4 (Paddy Power, Bet365)
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