Key questions and thoughts from connections on the Supreme Stakes

4.30 Goodwood

Weatherbys Racing Bank Supreme Stakes (Group 3)| 7f, 3yo+ | RUK

Will Dutch Connection prove too good?

On ratings, course form and talent this race would seem to be at the mercy of Dutch Connection. He has course-and-distance form which reads 121 and runs off an official rating of 112.

Added to that, he is a Group 2 winner, unbeaten at Group 3 level and regularly competes with credit in Group 1s. There is plenty stacked up in his favour.

It also seems he will finally get his ground, with no rain forecast before the race. Trainer Charlie Hills said: “It’s been a frustrating summer as he needs fast ground and hasn’t raced as much as we’d have liked. In fact he’s so lightly raced it’s ridiculous.

“He won the Lennox over this course and distance last year and was second in that race in 2015 as well as winning his maiden over seven furlongs at Goodwood, so his form in these conditions is very good, but he does need it quick.”

Can Simcock pair cope with step up in grade?

While Dutch Connection is proven at a high level, the David Simcock-trained duo of Jordan Sport and Bless Him are stepping up from handicaps to contest this race.

Jordan Sport put up a smart performance under a positive Jamie Spencer ride to win at Newmarket last time, an effort that earned him a 7lb rise in the handicap.

Bless Him also looks progressive having captured the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last outing.

Simcock said: “Jordan Sport joined us last year and has done really well to win three times, twice on the all-weather over the winter and again on turf at Newmarket this month. I hope his 7lb rise won’t stop him as he’s clearly very talented and is in terrific form. He possesses lots of speed and seems to relax more when he’s in front.

“Bless Him has done really well since Ascot and appears to be in good form. I’m looking forward to seeing how much progress he's made.”

He added: “He has a lot of talent and I’m hopeful he could be a Group horse – if not this year, then certainly next year as his pedigree meant he was always going to need time.”

Bless Him and Jamie Spencer win the Britannia Stakes last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

How will Tomyris fare against the colts?

Opal Tiara, a three-year-old filly, landed this race last year and Tomyris is the only filly of that age group lining up in this season’s race.

Tomyris, who will be ridden for the first time by Josephine Gordon, having only her second ride for trainer Roger Varian, produced a fine performance to finish third in a fillies’ Group 3 at Glorious Goodwood last time.

Tomyris: still improving says Roger VarianCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Varian, who also runs Solomon’s Bay, said: “Tomyris ran a super race from a difficult draw in the Oak Tree Stakes and is pitched against the colts for the first time here. She still looks to be improving.

“Solomon’s Bay ran well at the Glorious meeting, with the ground possibly being too soft for him there. The return to seven furlongs on a drier surface will be of benefit.”