Dawn Approach surpassed even the expectations of trainer Jim Bolger and provided solace to Sheikh Mohammed after a taxing fortnight with a commanding victory in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

It was as if the Rowley Mile weather reflected the changing fortunes of the Sheikh himself, as the under-fire owner watched the 11-8 favourite be saddled in a downpour, only for sunshine to break through just as Dawn Approach stretched five lengths away from his nearest pursuers.

Shadowed by reporters wanting answers over the case of his private trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni's eight-year ban for administering anabolic steroids to 15 horses in his care, the Sheikh sidestepped questions on his first racecourse appearance since the scandal broke.

Dawn Approach, though, is a different entity as a product of Bolger's breeding and tutelage in Ireland as a son of his New Approach, who was just touched off in the Guineas of 2008 and went on to win the Investec Derby.

Bolger, winning the 2000 Guineas for the first time, would not fully commit Dawn Approach to emulating his sire, but Epsom looks a very real possibility as the chestnut was not tiring at the line.

He matched strides with market rival Toronado for a long way, but Richard Hughes became more urgent in the saddle and Kevin Manning was soon in an unstoppable position on Dawn Approach. It was 150-1 shot Glory Awaits who held on to second, with Richard Hannon's pair Van Der Neer and Toronado a respective third and fourth.

Bolger said: "I felt if he ran up to his best form, he would win the race, but I wasn't prepared for what he did. I was very impressed.

"I don't know about the Derby, Sheikh Mohammed and myself said we would sleep on it and take it from there. If he wants to go, I'd be very happy to. We have to see how he comes out of this, but he's hardy and I'm sure he'll be fine. I'm sure he can only improve from here as that's his first time on a racecourse this year."

Manning added: "He's a very special horse, he's done it very easy and travelled very well throughout the race. I didn't want to get there too soon and when I asked him to quicken, he just picked up."

Asked about staying another half-mile at Epsom, the jockey added: "He's got a fantastic temperament, he was cruising here and he's very easy to switch off in a race. If he's going to get the trip, he's got the temperament."