Toronado has confirmed himself as the leading British hope to beat the Irish in next month’s 2000 Guineas with a comprehensive win in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket.
Trainer Richard Hannon believes the unbeaten son of High Chaparral has such a potent blend of speed and stamina he can tackle not just one Classic but two, with the Derby also firmly on the agenda.
Toronado just managed to beat Dundonnell on his final start as a two-year-old but led all the way to beat him this time by four lengths.
Toronado is just 7-2 with Coral and 4-1 with Ladbrokes for the Guineas on May 4.
“He’s a machine, he’s a good horse. He quickened and he quickened again,” Hannon said.
“He’ll come back for the Guineas and what beats him will win. If you look at him there he’s not quite there in his coat but in a fortnight’s time he’ll come back here looking a lot better.”
The Tattersalls Millions 3YO Trophy seemed to provide further Derby clues as Windhoek (6-1) held on in a tight finish from Greatwood and even-money favourite Ghurair.
“He fractured a pastern and then got a foot abscess, which wouldn’t go away and he was 30kg overweight,” winning trainer Mark Johnston said.
“I think he’ll come on a lot for that. I’ll have to talk to the owner but the Dante’s certainly on the cards.”
