New Approach colt wins his first Stakes race by 16 lengths

The lightly-raced Connecticut was sent off as odds-on favourite to take the feature race of the day on the Pontefract card, the Listed Pontefract Castle Stakes, and the son of New Approach certainly didn’t disappoint as he cruised to an astounding 16-length victory.

Settled in third position on the rail under Adam Kirby, Luca Cumani’s charge travelled well throughout the mile-and-a-half contest and put the race to bed in a matter of strides once asked to quicken, moving clear of his rivals to win with consummate ease.

Connecticut won three races on the bounce last year and following today’s performance, a further step up in class could well be on the cards.

He was bred by Whatton Manor Stud and is out of the winning Slip Anchor mare Craigmill, who has produced no fewer than 12 winners including fellow Black type performers Fleurie Domaine and Castleton (Cape Cross). 

New Approach is sire of four G1 winners to date, including fellow Darley stallion and 2,000 Guineas winner Dawn Approach, plus Oaks winner Talent.