Minstrel Stakes challenge by Dutch Connection
Racenews
14 July, 2017
Dutch Connection goes after a second G2 success over seven furlongs in the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh, Ireland, on Sunday, July 16.
The Charlie Hills-trained five-year-old ran on well for a decisive win in the G2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in August last year and has also gained two G3 victories over the same trip, in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2015 and York’s Acomb Stakes the previous year.
He drops down a furlong after finishing a creditable sixth of 16 behind another Godolphin runner, Ribchester, on his first start of the year in the mile G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 20.
Charlie Hills commented: “Dutch Connection has been pleasing me since his first run of the year at Royal Ascot.
“We wanted to get another run into him prior to going for the Lennox Stakes again and seven furlongs on quick ground will suit.”
Dutch Connection, with James Doyle in the saddle, takes on eight rivals including French G1 runner-up Stormy Antarctic, plus Spirit Of Valor and Mubtasim, who were second and third in last month’s G3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
