New Approach set to miss The Derby

Long-time Derby favourite New Approach has effectively been ruled out of the Epsom showpiece on June 7th by his trainer Jim Bolger. Click here for a free £25 to bet on The Derby with Betfair Bolger, speaking at a press conference at his County Carlow yard, stated that he preferred the Irish Derby to the British Classic, although punters who have backed the colt for 2,000 Guineas glory can still hold on to their ante-post vouchers. "At this stage, I'm keener on the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Derby than Epsom," Bolger said. "I'm not shying away from Epsom, as I don't think he would have any problems with the trip or track, but I haven't won the Irish 2,000 Guineas, and I'd very much like to win it." Ante-post punters will see this as a major blow, after the unbeaten Dewhurst winner had traded at as short as 3/1 with the major bookmakers for the Derby. No major bookmaker is offering a price about New Approach now for Epsom, although punters can still back the colt at around 26/1 on Betfair. Betfair's Head Of Media, Tony Calvin, commented: "It may seem surprising that anybody would be willing to back the horse after the statement from the stable. But plans change and I imagine there are plenty of punters out there who have laid the horse at single-figure prices for the Derby - he has traded as low as 3/1 - who are simply backing the horse back at today's bigger prices to ensure a no-lose book, and possibly to free up funds, too." Henry Cecil's Twice Over is the new big-race favourite and bookmakers go 4/1 about the Craven hero. Punters should be careful however, because Cecil was wary of stating a preferred plan for his charge yesterday. The former champion trainer said: "I have said I haven't been keen on the Guineas. I will feel my way and see. If he didn't run in the Guineas and went to York for the Dante, then we'll see if he going to get a mile and a half. Otherwise there is the option of the French Derby. The whole thing is open." The 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket takes place a week May 3rd, three weeks before the Irish equivalent, while the Derby is staged on the first Saturday in June with the Irish version on June 29. Click here for a free £25 to bet on The Derby with Betfair Betfair is the world's leading betting exchange and licensed bookmaker in the UK. Over 15 million bets placed a day! Get your Betfair £25 Free bet now!