Sussex Stakes

Sussex sectionals:

DA: 14.10, 11.08, 13.15, 11.94, 11.21, 11.12, 11.67, 12.12

Toro: 14.73, 11.01, 13.27, 11.83, 11.00, 10.97, 11.53, 11.93
 
TORONADO'S next start could be a return to Ascot for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on British Champions Day on October 19, as connections reflected on the three-year-old's dazzling Sussex Stakes win.

Richard Hughes judged his ride to perfection on Toronado, as the pair defeated Dawn Approach and Kevin Manning by half a length at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday, and another rematch could be on the cards.

The Godolphin-owned Dawn Approach now leads two-one courtesy of wins in the 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace, and racing manager Simon Crisford is keen for another duel, saying in the aftermath of the Sussex Stakes: "We're looking forward to a rematch at Ascot, we're very much up for that."

It would appear the QEII is the preferred target for Richard Hannon, who said on his website: "We will stick to a mile this year and we will talk to the owner (Sheikh Joaan Al Thani) and make a plan as to where to go next.

"Deauville (Prix Jacques le Marois) will probably come a bit quick, but we will leave it a week before making a decision, and the QEII at Ascot in October would be the obvious race. Who knows, Dawn Approach might turn up there too."

Hannon regards Toronado as the best he has trained, and added: "Toronado is now 13 kilos heavier than he was in the Guineas - he is so much more relaxed since we switched him from Everleigh to Herridge, and obviously the spoon-bit that we fitted before Royal Ascot has made all the difference to his breathing. He is simply a very special horse."
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Absolutely brilliant ride by Hughsie he found the chink in Dawn Approach's armour and exposed it to the full with a perfectly timed run. Can't fault Keving Manning at all, knowing his horse well he made his move at exactly the right time and had him in full flight when it mattered only to be run out of it by the better horse.

There may well be a rematch but I doubt if anything will change if both run to their best.
Toronado looks to have more guns than Dawn Approach who gave his all.

As far as Richard Hannon saying he's the best he's ever trained goes that to me is complete poppycock and aimed straight at the breeders.

Canford Cliffs was described as a freak in a different parish by Hughsie "Being on him is like getting into a Rolls Royce instead of a Morris Minor. The difference is unbelievable."

Suddenly Toronado winner of 1 Group 1 at 3 years is a better horse........absolute dribble.
 
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