Bolger happy with Lush progress

Hong Kong: Jim Bolger declared himself happy with the preparation of Lush Lashes as the Irish trainer seeks to top off a stellar year with victory in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup.

After a season in which New Approach staked his claim to be one of the very best Epsom Derby winners of recent years Bolger cemented his place at the top table of European trainers.

And the forthright handler paid tribute to his owners for allowing him to plot New Approach's season, despite the criticism he faced from certain quarters for his "will-he, won't he" entry of his champion into the Derby.

He said: "HRH Princess Haya and Shaikh Mohammad are very, very easy to train for, they left it to me to decide things with New Approach.

Going to the Derby was a joint team decision.

"New Approach is up there with Teofilo and St Jovite as the best horse I've ever trained. He's the only horse to have won the Dewhurst, the Derby and the Champion Stakes. He deserves to be mentioned alongside the highest company."

Back to the present in Hong Kong the usually inscrutable Bolger seems quietly confident that Lush Lashes can emulate Alexander Goldrun, his mare that triumphed in the Cup in 2004.

"I'm happy with the way she looks she seems very well," Bolger said at Sha Tin. "People might say this is a big step up but I'm not so sure that's right. I hope she runs she runs to her form and then she'll be right up there.

"It does seem quite a competitive race with Eagle Mountain and Viva Pataca looking the ones to beat.

"The next target after this race is the Dubai Duty Free in late March. She's coming into this in very good form, better form than Alexander Goldrun had showed before she won here.

"She's a bigger filly than her and they are probably of similar ability at this stage although there is scope for improvement with Lush Lashes as she is by Galileo."

Lush Lashes is up against some very tough competitors, particularly the local hero Viva Pataca, but after the season he's had it would be a brave man to bet against Bolger putting the icing on the cake of his magnificent year with victory in the Hong Kong showpiece.