Bolger boost as rain hits Epsom ahead of Derby

While Jim Bolger awoke to further widespread criticism of his decision to change his mind about running New Approach in Saturday's Vodafone Derby, going reports from Epsom this morning will have brightened his mood.

Andrew Cooper, the clerk of the course, said today that six millimetres of overnight rain had fallen on the track and that it was "raining heavily" as he spoke at 7.30am, almost guaranteeing soft ground for Friday's Juddmonte Oaks in which Bolger runs the favourite Lush Lashes.

Bolger's U-turn on the participation of New Approach was all to do with ground conditions after his dual 2,000 Guineas runner-up was just beaten on good ground by Henrythenavigator at Newmarket before being thoroughly put to the sword on fast going at the Curragh nine days ago.

Four of New Approach's five victories as a two-year-old came on ground softer than good and reports from Epsom will be music to the County Carlow trainer's ears.

Cooper added: "We've had six millimetres of rain and it looks like is going to rain until early afternoon at least. When I walk the course later today, I'm expecting it to be soft ground all around.

"The forecast is also for rain over the next couple of days."

The racing press were unrelenting in their criticism of Bolger today with the Racing Post's chief correspondent James Willoughby leading the way.