Toronado hoping for third time lucky against Dawn Approach
TRAINER Richard Hannon is optimistic that Toronado can prevail over Dawn Approach at the third attempt when the two clash in this afternoon’s keenly anticipated Qipco Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
Dawn Approach beat the colt to win the 2000 Guineas in May, then edged him out by a narrower margin to claim the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
“Both horses want a proper gallop, enabling them to settle, but we know our fellow is straightforward in that we can ride him from the front or sit on him so as to utilise his speed,” said Hannon, who will have champion jockey Richard Hughes on board Toronado.
“We think the track will suit him, and his preparation since Ascot has gone smoothly.”
Trainer Jim Bolger is equally bullish about the chances of Godolphin-owned Dawn Approach, who will again be ridden by Kevin Manning.
“Since last week he is rated the best horse in the world, so he has to tick all the boxes to get in that position,” said Bolger. “I couldn’t be happier with him.”
Hannon enjoyed two winners on day one of Glorious Goodwood yesterday but was out of the places in the Lennox Stakes, as Ryan Moore rode favourite Garswood to victory.