Dutch dilemma

Weather and ground will determine whether Godolphin's Dutch Connection takes his chance in Sunday's G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

The four-year-old was a brilliant winner of the G2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood and has come out of the race exceptionally well.

But he needs Good ground to be seen at his best. It is currently Very Soft at Deauville, with up to 3mm of rain forecast today.

Trainer Charlie Hills is in constant touch with Godolphin's French office, who will report on going conditions again on Friday.

If the ground shows signs of drying out, Dutch Connection will be left in the six-and-a-half-furlong contest, with a final decision on a start taken later.

Trainer Charlie Hills said: "We will have someone walk the course for us and then take a view.

"If he doesn't run at Deauville, there is always the G2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury the following week."