Craven Stakes Result: Toronado registers comfortable win

Richard Hughes eased to victory on Toronado

Richard Hannon's Toronado turned in an impressive display in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket, beating his rivals by four lengths...

Sent off at a BSP of 1.82 to give weight and a beating to three talented opponents, the unbeaten son of High Chaparral was soon bowling along at the head of affairs in the hands of Richard Hughes.

The Roger Charlton-trained Dundonnell, just half a length behind Toronado in last season's Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, did his best to throw down a challenge heading inside the final couple of furlongs, but Hughes' confidence was clear for all to see.

Once popped the question, Toronado showed a real turn of foot to put the race to bed and he passed the post with four lengths in hand. It ended up being a one-two for Hannon, with Havana Gold beating the weakening Dundonnell to the runner-up spot.

Godolphin's Tawhid was a distant last of four.

Toronado's price for the 2000 Guineas has contracted on the back of his easy win in the Craven, now trading at 5.0.

Hannon said: "He's a machine. He's a good horse - he's quickened today and quickened again. He will come back here for the (2000) Guineas and what beats him will win."

"At the moment I'd say he's top and the other horse (Olympic Glory) can probably go to the French Guineas now."

Charlton said of Dundonnell: "The winner is obviously very good, and we will see how our horse is over the next week regarding the Guineas. He's well over his racing weight and I'm pleased how he saw the race out as I told James (Doyle) not to be too hard on him."

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