Stage set for Dutch to find his courage
A FTER being denied by Toormore at the Qatar Lennox Stakes a year ago, DUTCH CONNECTION (Goodwood, 3.10) can gain a measure of compensation this afternoon.
The son of Dutch Art clearly loves the individualistic contours of the Sussex venue having shed his maiden tag at Goodwood in 2014 before running a blinder in the Group 2 event 12 months ago.
There are signs the selection is beginning to find his best form this term, too, as he again ran old adversary Toormore close in Sandown’s bet365 Mile in April and found only class act Mutakayyef too strong at Ascot last time.
Convey, well beaten in seventh that day, has subsequently obliged to enhance the form and Dutch Connection should appreciate the likelihood of a strong pace today.
Both Hugo Palmer-trained representatives Gifted Master and Home Of The Brave enjoy racing handily and fans of the selection would be delighted to see the stablemates set a strong gallop.
The presence of the classy James McDonald in the saddle is another positive given the way the Kiwi has ridden since teaming up with Godolphin this summer and it will be disappointing if Dutch Connection doesn’t go close.
Mark Johnston is usually quick to find the score-sheet at this meeting and the Middleham handler is four-handed in the opener.
Given the random nature of the yard, it may be fruitless to attempt to predict which of the quartet, if any, may emerge victorious but I was taken with the success of STARS OVER THE SEA (Goodwood, nb, 2.00) at Newbury and the one-time hurdler could follow up today.
Admittedly, the five-year-old enjoyed an armchair passage at the head of affairs last time, where rider George Baker was allowed to dictate matters from the front.That said, he was an emphatic winner at the expense of some progressive types and is on an upward curve coming into this event.
War Decree will be a short price to wreak revenge on BOYNTON (Goodwood, 2.35) given his Newmarket conqueror must shoulder a 3lb penalty for his narrow success. However, Boynton was well on top at the line that day and his experience of the track could see him confirm placings.
Richard Fahey’s horses are written off at punter’s peril so HOME CUMMINS (Goodwood, nap, 5.30) could be some value to upset some ‘sexier’ rivals in the finale. Her victory at York was achieved in a terrific speed figure and I loved her tenacity in a finish that day.
The potential for a vintage Qatar Sussex Stakes remains on the card when Classic winners Galileo Gold, The Gurkha and Awtaad renew rivalries in tomorrow’s prestigious Group 1.
The field also features the likes of Ribchester and Toormore.