With the English Derby drawing closer the unbeaten, Dawn Approach, continues to shorten in betting, with many believing he has a mortgage on the race.

He goes into the classic unbeaten after seven starts, he won the 2000 Guineas over a mile by five lengths at Newmarket, this is generally a good guide.

He needs to get the extra ground at Epsom, which should not bother him unduly; he looks to have quite bit on his opposition.

Dawn Approach is by New Approach, he will shuttle here again this season, he is a Derby winner himself, as is his sire, Galileo.

New Approach will be represented by two runners in the Derby as he is also the sire of Libertarian, he won the Dante Stakes at York last week, a Group 2 race over 10.5 furlongs (2050 metres).

He will certainly shorten up in betting, but that is not likely to concern those that have already backed the favourite.

New Approach - Sire of the Derby favourite