New Approach in tune with The Minstrel, insists trainer John Gosden

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Newmarket handler was assistant to Irish maestro Vincent O'Brien when The Minstrel was cutting a swathe through rivals on his way to an English/Irish Derby double in the Seventies.

Blast from the past: The Minstrel, ridden by Lester Piggott, beats Hot Grove and Willie Carson at Epsom on 1977

Gosden has Centennial and Upton Grey - supplemented yesterday for 150,000euros to act as a pacemaker for the Princess Haya-owned New Approach at The Curragh - among 14 entries still in the mix.

But he lavished praise on New Approach, Tartan Bearer and Casual Conquest, the first three past the post in the Epsom Classic.

He said: 'New Approach is an exceptional horse and this is a very, very good Irish Derby. He reminds me of The Minstrel.

'The top three (from Epsom) should finish 1-2-3 again. They really stand out. Everyone else is playing bit parts in my opinion.'

Royal Ascot hero Aidan O'Brien has six in contention, spearheaded by Washington Irving and Alessandro Volta, who were fifth and sixth at Epsom, but Gosden believes team tactics will play no part in the result.

Peter Reynolds, manager of Ballymacoll Stud, who own Sir Michael Stoute's contender Tartan Bearer, expects his colt to improve.

He said: 'Ours is a fairly fresh horse - the Derby was only his second Group race. He lacked the experience of the winner and he should come on for that.'

But Stoute's other entry, Doctor Fremantle, is more likely to head to Longchamp for the Grand Prix de Paris.

New Approach is a best priced 5-6 favourite to earn his trainer Jim Bolger the race he wants most.