The Right Connection

Tuesday's G2 Qatar Lennox S. at Glorious Goodwood is an open affair with Godolphin's Dutch Connection (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), one of four contenders set to carry the Royal Blue silks, seeking to become just the second horse to register back-to-back victories in the seven-furlong heat. He lines up following four unsuccessful attempts at the highest level since last year's triumph, and a sixth to the reopposing Spirit of Valor (War Front) in the July 16 G2 Minstrel S. at The Curragh. “Dutch Connection was disappointing in Ireland, but they went no gallop and he was caught on the outside,” explained trainer Charlie Hills. “He loves Goodwood, having won twice at the course including this race last year, and I am hoping that he can bounce back to his best.” Home of the Brave (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), another Godolphin colourbearer and last year's runner-up, enters the contest off wins in the Apr. 29 Listed King Richard III S. at Leicester and when beating another Godolphin hopeful Jungle Cat (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) in the July 1 G3 Criterion S. at Newmarket. “Home of the Brave has made a good start to this season and we hope that continues in the Lennox,” said trainer Hugo Palmer. “He is a horse who responds well to having a bit of time between his races.” Jungle Cat has since bagged a July 22 Haydock conditions event and trainer Charlie Appleby commented, “It is great that Jungle Cat got his head back in front on his last start, which will have helped his confidence. He has had three nice runs over seven furlongs and comes into this race in good order. If he puts his best foot forward, he will be thereabouts for the places.” The Godolphin quartet is completed by G1 2000 Guineas and G3 Jersey S. fifth Dream Castle (GB) (Frankel {GB}). “I am pleased with Dream Castle, who is in good form,” revealed trainer Saeed bin Suroor. “He has worked well on the Limekilns gallops coming into this race. I don't think the good-to-soft going will cause him problems. I was happy with his last two runs and am hoping for another good performance.” Limato (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}), whose participation is dependent on suitable ground conditions, will make his first start at the track coming back from a second in the G1 Diamond Jubilee S. at Royal Ascot and a third in the July 15 G1 July Cup at Newmarket, and tackles the seven-furlong trip for the first time since annexing last term's G1 Prix de la Foret at Chantilly. Librisa Breeze (GB) (Mount Nelson {GB}) is another set to make his first start at the track and goes postward coming back from a strong-finishing fourth in the Diamond Jubilee on seasonal return. “Robert [Winston] can ride a bit more of a race over seven furlongs,” explained trainer Dean Ivory. “When he's over six it all just happens a bit quick, providing he doesn't get too far back. I'm looking forward to it and we won't know whether he'll handle Goodwood [or not] until we try. Many of them don't.”