Jim Bolger intends to see how Herald The Dawn is training over the next couple of weeks before deciding to consider a prep run ahead of the Qipco 2000 Guineas.

Bolger reports the son of New Approach to have thrived during the winter. However, he believes that he needs to improve if he is to worry market leader Air Force Blue, who beat him three lengths in the National Stakes at the Curragh in September.

"He's got a lot stronger and he's much thicker then he was last year, but I wouldn't think any higher. He's a very strong looking animal," the Coolcullen handler told At The Races.

"They need to thrive throughout the winter and also into the spring. They don't need to have any setbacks.

"He's been well and healthy all along and he's done very well. I'd be very happy with him.

"His form was very good, but he still has to improve a bit to get near the ante-post favourite (Air Force Blue).

"We'll be upping the pace with him in the next couple of weeks and if he's working lazily we'll have to consider a run beforehand, but otherwise he'll go straight there.

"I haven't thought about where we might go for a possible prep run as the ground would be a big factor with him.

"I'd be hoping to grab a Group 1 with him some place during the year."