Globetrotting Toast Of New York down in class for British homecoming

Toast Of New York has taken Jamie Osborne to many of the top US tracks but his latest assignment is back on British pastures as he faces five rivals in his bid to retain the 1m2f conditions event at Lingfield (1.00) he won last year.

Osborne was forced to reroute Toast Of New York to the Grade 2 1m6f Marathon Stakes at Churchill Downs last month after circumstances conspired against the seven-year-old running in the Breeders' Cup Classic, as he only made the reserve list.

"His last run at Churchill Downs was unfortunate because he was in the US for around six weeks to prepare for the Classic and our hand was forced into running over a trip too far," reflected Osborne. "He doesn't want a marathon distance and didn't really settle. But he still ran well to finish fourth and showed he remained in good heart."

An all-weather campaign is now being mapped out and, after proving his effectiveness at Lingfield when securing this prize last year, Osborne is confident his stable star still possesses the ability required at this level.

He added: "We've decided on an all-weather campaign for him after pitching him into some tough races in recent times. I'm sure he retains enough ability and the trip will be much more to his liking. This looks a nice opportunity down in class."

Toast Of New York's chief opponent in the line-up would appear to be the Alan King-trained Scarlet Dragon, officially rated only 3lb inferior and who was last seen finishing fourth to Master The World in a fast track qualifier at the track.

The six-strong field is completed by Goring, Dragon Mall, Mango Tango and North Face, who embarks on his first outing for Marco Botti after leaving the care of Aidan O'Brien.

Watch Toast Of New York win at Lingfield last year

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