Galileo's new Guineas favourite
27th August 2007
Trainer Jim Bolger knows full well just how talented are Galileo's progeny and his stable houses the new favourite for next year's G1 2000 Guineas after New Approach (2c Galileo-Park Express, by Ahonoora) appropriately landed the G2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
New Approach, who cruised home three lengths clear of Curtain Call (2c Sadler's Wells-Apsara, by Darshaan), has followed the same path so far as another Bolger-trained son of Galileo, Teofilo, who ended last season as champion juvenile.
"I see New Approach as a European version of Secretariat," said Bolger and the Racing Post's front page headline declared simply: "A Star In His Own Right."
New Approach, who was bred by Seamus and Trish Burns' Lodge Park Stud and sold for 430,000 euros as a yearling at Goffs, is now as short as 5/1 favourite for Guineas glory next May and on offer at around 8/1 to emulate his sire in the G1 Derby at Epsom in June.
"He's a lovely horse with tons of ability," Bolger added. "He's easy to train and straightforward and will be as good on good ground. Teofilo was champion two-year-old and a real star, but this is the European version of Secretariat with a terrific way of galloping."
At York's Ebor Meeting on Wednesday, Galileo's son Purple Moon (4g Galileo - Vanishing Prairie, by Alysheba) landed a betting plunge when successful in the Ebor Handicap, Europe's richest handicap.
Originally a 550,000 euros yearling, Purple Moon - who was bred by Gestut Shohrenhof - was bought by owner Craig Bennett for 440,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale in October.
