New Approach is listed third favourite for the Derby

Jim Bolger has shrugged off criticism of his late decision to run New Approach in Saturday's Epsom Derby.

Bolger had indicated in April the ante-post favourite of the time would not be prepared for the Classic.

As a result of the trainer's comments, nearly all bookmakers withdrew the colt from their markets.

But Bolger said: "We seem to have been in a no-win situation. It would be nice if people would make up their minds and accept we live in a changing world."

Bolger added: "It's totally my own decision. There was no influence from the owners, but it has been approved by them.

"It's dependent on 'the man up above' on what the ground will be, but I'd hope we'd be very likely to run.

We've got three supplementary entries which is excellent and we are in for a tantalising race Epsom clerk of the course Andrew Cooper

"He will only run if the ground is good or easier. If it were to be good to firm, he would not run."

Epsom clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said: "I am delighted to see New Approach in there.

"For the first time in the entry system Mr Bolger has physically had to state that he is leaving the horse in.

"I know it's not the final declaration stage but we are delighted nevertheless.

"We've got three supplementary entries which is excellent and we are in for a tantalising race."

Meanwhile, current ante-post favourite Casual Conquest will race in the Derby after Dermot Weld's colt was supplemented for the Classic.

Owners Moyglare Stud have paid the necessary �75,000 for the son of Hernando to take his place in the 18-strong field.

Stan Cosgrove, the stud's manager, said: "The money has been paid and I think he has a very good chance."

Casual Conquest is as short as 5-2 with some bookmakers, despite only having raced twice in his life.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts ahead of Saturday's Epsom Derby

He made a massive impression as he cantered to victory in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes in early May and the news that he will race on Saturday will come as a massive relief to his backers.

"It's just exciting to have a runner. He'd be happy with a bit of give in the ground but they are very good with the track at Epsom," added Cosgrove.

The other supplementary entries are the Sir Michael Stoute trained Chester Vase winner Doctor Fremantle and River Proud, from Paul Cole's stable.

Stoute is chasing his fifth Derby win and is also likely to have Dante winner Tartan Bearer and Dee Stakes victor Tajaaweed in the race.

Despite the absence of dual 2000 Guineas winner Henrythenavigator Aidan O'Brien will have five representatives, led by Frozen Fire. His other entries are Alessandro Volta, Bashkirov, King Of Rome and Washington Irving.

Luca Cumani has the well-fancied Curtain Call, while Godolphin rely on Rio De La Plata and four-time Derby winner Henry Cecil is banking on Kandahar Run.

Alan Devonshire, Bouguereau, Bronze Cannon and Maidstone Mixture complete the field.

2008 Vodafone Derby entries (18 declared):

1223-4 ALAN DEVONSHIRE Mark Tompkins

031-41 ALESSANDRO VOLTA Aidan O'Brien IRE

34-53 BASHKIROV Aidan O'Brien IRE

043-120 BOUGUEREAU Peter Chapple-Hyam

(0)(1)(1)-1 BRONZE CANNON (USA) John Gosden

1-1 CASUAL CONQUEST (IRE) Dermot Weld IRE

62215-1 CURTAIN CALL (FR) Luca Cumani

221-21 DOCTOR FREMANTLE Sir Michael Stoute

10-2 FROZEN FIRE (GER) Aidan O'Brien IRE

211-21 KANDAHAR RUN Henry Cecil

010-52 KING OF ROME (IRE) Aidan O'Brien IRE

36(0)-(5)(3)0(3) MAIDSTONE MIXTURE (FR) Richard Chotard FR

11111-2 NEW APPROACH (IRE) Jim Bolger IRE

311214-2 RIO DE LA PLATA (USA) Saeed bin Suroor

010-43 RIVER PROUD (USA) Paul Cole

10-1 TAJAAWEED (USA) Sir Michael Stoute

2-11 TARTAN BEARER (IRE) Sir Michael Stoute

4-22 WASHINGTON IRVING (IRE) Aidan O'Brien IRE