British Horseracing Authority head handicapper Phil Smith feels as much in the dark about New Approach's Vodafone Derby potential as the rest of the racing public.

With Jim Bolger making the surprise decision to head for Epsom this weekend, the brilliant juvenile and dual Guineas runner-up has turned the betting for the race on its head.

Europe's handicapping contingent made New Approach the highest-rated two-year-old of last season on a mark of 126 - 3lb more than achieved by his all-conquering former stablemate Teofilo.

Considering New Approach, Smith said: "He has got rock-solid form, but it's over a mile.

"No-one knows for sure whether he will be better over a mile and a half - that's what we will find out on Saturday.

"I believe the field is well up to normal standard. New Approach and Rio De La Plata have the highest ratings, but there could be 10 potential improvers in there as some of them have only had a couple of runs."

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