Herald The Dawn wins Futurity Stakes

Godolphin's regally bred Herald The Dawn overcame got the better of three rivals on seemingly unsuitable soft ground at the Curragh today, in the Group 2 Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes, thus enhancing his 2016 Classic prospects.

The brother to top class miler Dawn Approach was heavily supported near the off into 6/4 second favourite and, under Kevin Manning, was settled behind the leading pair in third, of the four.

Eleven to eight favourite Shogun was first of the leading trio to fold and while leader Now Or Never was thoroughly game in front, Herald The Dawn showed a likeable attitude to edge his way to the front in the closing stages, for a length and a quarter win.

Winning trainer Jim Bolger later stated "Kevin (Manning) said the wheels were spinning but he got there.

"He's basically a good ground horse but he overcame the adversity.

"He can do six furlongs, seven or a mile. We'll see where he fits in, and we have choices in Ireland, England and France."

Herald The Dawn was cut to 20/1 (from 33/1) with Paddy Power for the English 2,000 Guineas and to 25/1 (from 33/1) for the Epsom Derby while runner-up Now Or Never was left unchanged at 25/1 for the 1,000 Guineas with Powers.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee