‘Dutch’ still on a learning curve as he tackles strong Lockinge

Godolphin’s Dutch Connection is approaching the veteran stage of a successful racing career, but his trainer Charlie Hills believes there could still be more to learn about the six-year-old.

Although the son of Dutch Art will come to Newbury’s 16-runner G1 Lockinge Stakes very much an outsider, Hills is looking to the race as a chance to establIsh his horse’s claims as a genuine miler.

All five of Dutch Connection’s wins have been over seven furlongs, but he has also been placed in good races over one mile.

Hills said: “This is the first time he’s had proper fast ground, so I’m looking forward to seeing him run on that. He never really got it at all last year.

“The Mile is a worry but he’s got a nice draw (10),” he pointed out.

“I just want to give him one more chance over a mile on proper ground that we know he likes. Then we can learn. If you’re running him over a mile on soft ground — and he gets beaten — you don’t know whether to blame the ground or the trip,” he explained.

Dutch Connection was pulled up on his last outing last season. “He seemed to slip or stumble coming out of the stalls. But he was absolutely fine after the race, and he enjoyed a good holiday at one of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s studs in Newmarket,” the trainer added.

The reputation of the Lockinge as a G1 race of great relevance early in the season continues to grow. This renewal is strong, with Rhododendron, Limato and Addeybb all likely to make their presence felt.

At Pimlico in Baltimore, Justify attempts to add the G1 Preakness to his G1 Kentucky Derby victory only 14 days after his fine effort at Churchill Downs.

This time, he faces seven rivals....and will be hoping for better weather.

Fascination with the American Triple Crown continues in America, and huge media interest will be generated if the Bob Baffert-trained colt can retain his unbeaten record in the second leg.

Good Magic, second in the Derby, is again the chief danger to Justify.