Dawn lands Nobel prize

Dawn Approach: Remains unbeaten

Dawn Approach maintained his 100% record when duly completing the hat-trick in the Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes at Naas on Monday.

However, Jim Bolger's 4-9 shot had to work hard for this Listed success as Richard Hannon's raider Mister Marc proved a tough rival.

The pair had the race between them from the start and it was only inside the final furlong that Dawn Approach showed his superiority to win by two and three-quarter lengths under Kevin Manning.

The David Wachman-trained Cougar Ridge, who was expected to be one of Dawn Approach's main rivals, was withdrawn at the start after refusing to enter the stalls.

Coral make Dawn Approach the 11-4 favourite (from 9-2) for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Bolger has to decide whether Dawn Approach goes for the six-furlong Coventry Stakes or the Chesham over seven at the Royal meeting.

He said: "He'll go to Ascot for either the Coventry or the Chesham. He has the choice.

"Kevin said they went five-furlong pace the whole way. It was a fierce gallop but he stuck at it well.

"Trip doesn't really matter to him. Like most horses he would like better ground. That was a little bit loose but he handled soft ground at the Curragh and he's fairly versatile ground-wise.

"He's got a great temperament. I'd prefer really good ground for him."