Mick Halford© Photo Healy Racing
Mick Halford sees Gleneagles as a likely tough nut to crack as his ultra-consistent juvenile Toscanini gets his first shot at Group One level in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh today.
Early-season placed efforts behind Cappella Sansevero and Kool Kompany suggested Toscanini would take high rank in the two-year-old division and he went on to fill the runner-up spot in both the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Anglesey Stakes back on home soil.
The Godolphin-owned youngster made the most of having his sights lowered when finally and deservedly getting his head in front on the all-weather at Dundalk last month, but while Halford is anticipating another bold show this weekend, he is fearful of the threat posed by Aidan O'Brien's main challenger.
Halford said: "He's got 8lb to find with Gleneagles, which will be difficult, but having said that we're delighted with our horse and he's going there in tremendous form.
"Going back to seven furlongs will be no problem for him and we're looking forward to it."
Gleneagles undoubtedly set the standard having posted a hat-trick of victories since his promising debut fourth at Leopardstown, most recently claiming the Group Two Futurity Stakes over this course and distance three weeks ago. O'Brien also saddles Toscanelli
Jim Bolger is represented by Hall Of Fame who has ground to make up on Gleneagles having finished third in the Futurity.
A small but select field is completed by Charlie Hills-trained British raider Dutch Connection who won a Glorious Goodwood maiden before landing the Acomb Stakes at York.
