It's happening again and the curse of ante-post favourites for the UK Classics has struck Aidan O'Brien's Listen, favourite for the 1,000 Guineas (which she will now miss) and prominent in the betting for the Epsom Oaks (for which she is doubtful).
Last year both Holy Roman Emperor and Teofilo, who shared favouritism for the 2.000 Guineas, missed that race and the new owner of New Approach, Princess Haya Bint Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will be hoping he at least makes the 2,000 Guineas. At least his trainer, Jim Bolger, was able to provide a positive update on the horse when here for the World Cup.
The winner of that race, Curlin, is safely back home in America and will again be targeted at the Breeders' Cup Classic he won last year.
The Mike De Kock duo of UAE Derby winner Honour Devil and World Cup runner-up Asiatic Boy will also be campaigned in the US but both from a base in the UK.
As the South African explains: "There are lots of races for them in the States – but we may just have to avoid Curlin!"
The trainer's compatriot Herman Brown has his sights set on Singapore, via Hong Kong, with Jay Peg and Sushisan.
This time next week we will be in the middle of the Classic Trials in the UK with Saturday featuring the Newbury races after the Newmarket versions take place earlier in the week.
Godolphin look set to rely on Ibn Khaldun as their main chance for the 2,000 Guineas, leaving Rio De La Plata to aim at the French version.
