Making The Connection

Without a pattern-race win since last July, Godolphin's Dutch Connection (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) may have been found an ideal opportunity to regain some self-esteem in Sunday's G2 Minstrel S. at The Curragh. Since his success in the G2 Lennox S. during last year's Glorious Goodwood meeting, the chestnut has been out of the frame on four occasions but there was a glimmer that he retained ability when sixth in the G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot June 20. “Dutch Connection has been pleasing me since his first run of the year at Royal Ascot,” trainer Charlie Hills commented. “We wanted to get another run into him prior to going for the [Aug. 1] Lennox Stakes again and seven furlongs on quick ground will suit.”

Dutch Connection was the winner of the G3 Jersey S. two years ago and that honour almost fell to Spirit of Valor (War Front) this season. Caught late by Le Brivido (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) in that seven-furlong contest June 21, he is the pick of Ryan Moore over last year's G2 Joel S. winner Cougar Mountain (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and last year's G3 Anglesey S. scorer Peace Envoy (Fr) (Power {GB}). This tight affair also features last year's G1 Prix Jean Prat runner-up Stormy Antarctic (GB) (Stormy Atlantic), who came back to something like his best last time when second to the smart Morando (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) in Windsor's Listed Midsummer S. at a mile July 1.