Glorious Goodwood 2016: Dutch to deliver in Lennox Stakes
David Metcalf | July 25, 2016
Dutch Connection the answer to Lennox Stakes
Dutch Connection ran a blinder when runner-up last time out and can go one better to land the Group 2 Lennox Stakes on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood (15.10).
The Charlie Hills trained colt is a top class performer at his best as he showed when landing last year’s Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot by 1/2 a length from Fadhayyil.
Dutch Connection backed that up with an excellent 1/2 length second to Territories in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly before finishing a fine 3/4 length runner-up to Toormore in this contest.
The four-year-old has had three runs this season, all over a 1m trip which stretches his stamina to the limit.
Drop back in trip a big plus
It is therefore to Dutch Connection’s credit that he has been narrowly beat into second on two occasions.
In the last of those, the son of Dutch Art went down by 2 1/4 lengths to the improving Mutakayyef in a Group 2 at Ascot having been held-up well off the pace.
It was an effort which suggested Dutch Connection’s time was near and he now drops back down to 7f over which he has notched all three his career successes and gets the fast ground that he relishes for the first time this season.
Home Of The Brave sure to go well
Home Of The Brave has won both his starts this season and looks sure to make a bold bid to land the hat-trick.
Trained by Hugo Palmer, the four-year-old is a bold front runner and a tough nut to crack when on-song.
Although arguably not at his best when beating Convey by a neck in a Group 2 at Haydock when last seen in action back in May, Home Of The Brave stayed on gamely to get the job done and has since been given a break to freshen up.
The runner-up and fourth home have also come out and won since to give the form a boost, and this track should play to Home Of The Brave’s strengths.
However, with stable companion Gifted Master also a front runner I feel that the pair could cut each others throats and set it up for a closer like Dutch Connection.
Related
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Coral’s top tip: Dutch Connection gets his optimum conditions for the first time this season and rates a solid bet to go one better than last year and land the spoils.
