Hannon Rates Toronado a Classic Contender

Richard Hannon could barely suppress his enthusiasm over the prospects of his highly progressive juvenile, Toronado, who made it two wins from two outings when easily landing long odds in the listed Carraig Insurance Winkfield Stakes at Ascot, earlier this month.

He is now to be trained with a view to a classic campaign in 2013 in mind, writes Elliot Slater.

The jury still seems to be out amongst connections of the imposing son of High Chaparral, as to which of next year’s classics to aim for, with Hannon of the opinion that Toronado could be his 2000 Guineas horse for next term.

Stable jockey, Richard Hughes, believes that the youngster may well prove to have sufficient stamina to be a genuine contender for honours in the Investec Derby at Epsom next June. Whether fans making a bet on racing will agree with Hughes remains to be seen.

Everything the young colt has done so far has oozed quality, and the 55,000 euro yearling seems to have been particularly well bought; he is clearly worth many times more now after proving himself full of ability.

The ready winner of a seven furlong Newbury maiden, last month, on his racecourse bow, Toronado was all the rage in the market at Ascot.

Supporters never had any anxious moments, as he eased into contention inside the final quarter, before hitting the front 200 yards from the finish, and then comfortably pulling clear of the promising Strictly Silca.

Quoted at around 20/1 in the horse racing betting tips for the 2000 Guineas and a general 25/1 chance in the ante-post list for the Derby, Hannon feels he will probably give his rising star one more outing this season.

However, he is unsure as to exactly which direction he will follow, with a horse who could go for the Dewhurst Stakes, Prix Jean Luc Lagardere, or the Racing Post Trophy, all of which are Group 1 contests.