Richard Hannon: said the Group 1 Prix Jean Luc Lagardere could be ideal
PICTURE: Getty ImagesHannon considers Group 1 options for Toronado
TRAINER Richard Hannon is considering options for unbeaten Ascot winner Toronado, with the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster firmly in the mix for the son of High Chaparral.
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Toronado took his winning record to two in the Listed Carraig Insurance Winkfield Stakes at Ascot on Saturday and the performance suitably impressed William Hill, who inserted the smart juvenile into their Qipco 2,000 Guineas betting at 16-1.
Hannon said he will consider a number of targets for Toronado, who could also line up for the Group 1 Prix Jean Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on October 7.
Hannon said: "Toronado is French-bred and therefore qualifies for the breeders' premiums and the Longchamp race could be ideal for him.
"I would not be keen to overdo him this season as I think he could be our 2,000 Guineas horse for next year so one more race would probably do.
"If we went [the] Group 2 [route], the Champagne at Doncaster would probably be the race.
Richard Hughes: said Toronado could be a Derby horse next year
PICTURE: Getty Images"But if we preferred the Group 1 route the choice would be the National Stakes at Doncaster, the Lagadere or the Dewhurst at Newmarket, though Hughesie thinks that he could be a Derby horse, so I suppose we could wait for the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.
"We'll sit down and talk to the owners before formulating a plan."
Toronado scored by two lengths on Saturday and he has clearly impressed the champion trainer with his performances at home and on the track.
Hannon, speaking on his website on Sunday, added: "I read somewhere that he was no more than workmanlike at Ascot for a 1-3 shot but they went no gallop whatsoever and it takes a good horse to quicken up as he did off such a slow pace.
"Toronado has looked right up there with the best of ours since day one. He has a great turn of foot and has everything that you would look for in a good horse."
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