Intense Focus survived a three-way photo finish to provide Jim Bolger with his third consecutive winner in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Eng-I) at Newmarket Oct. 18.
Sent off at odds of 20-1, Intense Focus bulled his way between rivals Lord Shanakill and Finjaan to prevail by a nose. Lord Shanakill finished second, a nose in front of Finjaan.
Final time for the seven furlong contest was 1:23.33 over the good turf course.
Trainer Jim Bolger and jockey Kevin Manning now have won three consecutive runnings of the Dewhurst, with their previous victories coming with champions Teofilo and New Approach. Although not quite as accomplished as his predecessors, Intense Focus has been keeping good company, holding his own against the likes of Mastercraftsman and Naaqoos.
Intense Focus is a 2-year-old colt by Giant's Causeway out of Danelata, by Danehill. He is closely related to champions Sholokhov and Soldier of Fortune.
Intense Focus was bred in Kentucky by Robert N. Clay and Airlie Stud, and races for Jackie Bolger.
Intense Focus (left) fights for the win in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes.
