Hugo Palmer looks to have a strong hand in Tuesday's G2 Qatar Lennox S. at Goodwood, with Home of the Brave (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and Gifted Master (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) primed to enhance their trainer's growing reputation. The former comes into it in particularly formidable shape, with wins in the Apr. 23 Listed Leicestershire S. and G3 John of Gaunt S. at Haydock May 28 proving his effectiveness at this distance. Gifted Master was on a roll himself until two starts back, when he finished third in the six-furlong G2 Sandy Lane S. at Haydock May 28 and ninth in the G3 Jersey S. over this trip at Royal Ascot.
“They'll both like the ground and I've been happy with both of them in their work,” Palmer said. “It's a shame they have to run against each other really. Home of the Brave is in great form and seven furlongs is his ideal trip, as it is for Gifted Master. We just felt the ground at Ascot was too soft for him, so hopefully he can bounce back. There's not a lot between them.”
Runner-up in this last year, Dutch Connection (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) is another Godolphin representative with obvious claims as he looks to return to the winner's spot for the first time since the G3 Jersey S. at Royal Ascot last June. Second for the fourth time since that career-best when finding Mutakayyef (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) too strong in Ascot's G2 Summer Mile July 9, he has his ideal conditions of seven furlongs on a quick surface.
“He wants fast ground, in fact the faster the better, so I am hoping there is not too much watering for the first day,” trainer Charlie Hills explained. “I was pleased with his run at Ascot and he is going to find this race and trip ideal.”
Last year's G2 Superlative S. winner Birchwood (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is the third runner for the boys in blue and his Listed City Plate win over this trip at Chester July 9 puts him in the picture.
“His win at Chester has done him the world of good. He has never been an exceptional worker at home, but his win seems to have had the desired effect and has sparked him up a bit,” trainer Richard Fahey commented. “He has run well at this meeting–in the Vintage S. last year. He will have to be at the top of his game, but I am very happy with the horse going into the race.”
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