Dutch Connection heads to Newmarket for Criterion

Dutch Connection runs in the G3 Criterion Stakes over seven furlongs at Newmarket, UK, on Saturday, 30 June.

The six-year-old horse has had two outings so far in 2018, most recently coming home fourth to another Godolphin runner D’bai in the G3 John Of Gaunt Stakes over the same distance at Haydock Park on Saturday, 9 June. 

He began the year by finishing an excellent fourth over a mile in the G1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on 19 May and enjoyed his biggest victory in the seven-furlong G2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in July, 2016.

Trainer Charlie Hills reported: “The Criterion Stakes could be the race for Dutch Connection to get back on track.

“He had a hard race in the Lockinge, which might explain why he was a bit below par in the John Of Gaunt when fourth to D’bai.

“He is fit enough and hasn’t required any strong gallops since Haydock. He is giving off the right signals.”

James Doyle rides Dutch Connection at Newmarket, with the pair emerging from stall seven. The field of seven also includes John Of Gaunt Stakes second Larchmont Lad, G3 scorer So Beloved and Listed winner Sir Dancealot.