(CNN) -- The curtain was raised on the English flat racing season in emphatic style as the Godolphin-owned Dawn Approach stormed to victory in the 2,000 Guineas, the first "classic" of the season, at Newmarket's Rowley Mile Saturday. The powerful chestnut, ridden by Kevin Manning, took the lead inside the final furlong and never looked like tiring, running out a five-length winner from Glory Awaits. It was a dominant performance in a race which has traditionally served as a bellwether for future greatness; a roll call of just the last few winners of this race includes no less personages as Camelot, Frankel, Makfi and Sea The Stars.
@highlight
Dawn Approach wins 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket
@highlight
Godolphin owned colt ridden by Kevin Manning
@highlight
Dawn Approach trained in Ireland by Jim Bolger
@highlight
Godolphin's Newmarket operation on lock down after doping scandal
@placeholder, meanwhile, though he took longer to get into his stride, appeared to promise much more as he flew past the winning post to the delight of a packed Rowley Mile crowd.