Dutch Connection on Sunday
Published:We preview a promising card at the Curragh
We enjoyed a thrilling few days of horse racing action thanks to Newmarket’s July Cup Festival. There will be no Sunday comedown for punters however, thanks to Curragh’s action-packed card, headlined by the Minstrel Stakes.
A group two affair, with a bumper prize pot on offer, we have a talented field marked down for that one. Read on as we give our opinions on a play worth having there, or skip to the foot of this page where you will find a selection in every race, designed to keep you winning. Click now to place your bets.
Selection deserves another chance
Due to post at 3.45pm, nine-runners are expected to contest the Minstrel Stakes over seven furlongs, and the early betting suggests we’re set for a competitive renewal. Trainer Tom Hogan won the race for the second time in-a-row 12 months ago, Gordon Lord Byron successfully defending his crown. Will it be a hat-trick? We certainly wouldn’t talk anyone out of having a play.
The runner to carry our stake money here though is Dutch Connection. Charles Hills preps this talented five-year-old, taking part in only his second outing of the year. Not seen winning since claiming the group two Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last year, he was sent over to America for a crack at the Breeders Cup Mile, but made little impression.
Best will be good enough to score
Travelling back to the UK, he started the year with a spin around Royal Ascot, again without landing a blow on the major places, ending sixth at a big price in the group one Queen Anne Stakes last month, a race won by favourite Ribchester. Connections would’ve hoped for a better showing there, but he’ll come on for it.
On paper, he goes in with some of the best form of the field, and if giving 100%, and showing an example of what he’s capable of, then Dutch Connection is sure to have a major say at the business end of the race. We have it as his to lose, but any slip-ups will be punished by a talented field, so we need to see his best.
Curragh selections
2.05 – Magical
2.35 – Navajo Dreamer
3.10 – Turret Rocks
3.45 – Dutch Connection
4.15 – New Terms
4.45 – Sure Reef
5.20 – Muniza