New Derby contender for New Approach

While Dawn Approach is the firm favourite for the Derby following his scintillating victory in the 2,000 Guineas, his sire New Approach looks to have a new challenger for the Blue Riband after Libertarian beat a quality field to take the G2 Dante Stakes at York.

Settled off the pace under William Buick, Libertarian began to make his move once the field entered the home straight and accelerated superbly in the closing stages to win by a length and a quarter from Teofilo’s Trading Leather.

Unraced at two, Libertarian broke his maiden at the first time of asking on 9 April before finished fourth to Sugar Boy (Authorized) in the G3 Classic Trial at Sandown later the same month. Elaine Burke’s charge is now around 20-1 for the Derby, with Dawn Approach a solid 5-4 favourite.

Bred by Serpentine Bloodstock, Libertarian is the seventh winner out of the winning Darshaan mare Intrum Morshaan, also dam of Royal Applause’s G1 performer Prince Siegfried.

New Approach, last year’s Champion first-season sire, stands at Dalham Hall Stud at a fee of £50,000 October 1st SLF, while Teofilo stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €35,000.