Halford fears Dunboyne

Michael Halford is conscious of the threat posed by fellow Irish runner Dunboyne Express as he prepares to send Casamento to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy on Saturday.

The ante-post favourite is set to leave Halford's County Kildare stable on Thursday evening to prepare for the Group One test.

"The horse will have a canter in the morning and the plan is to fly over tomorrow evening. All is well and I couldn't be happier with him," he said.

"I've been told the ground is good to soft so there will be no excuses on that front.

"The straight course at Doncaster is similar to the Curragh and it should suit him well.

"Frankie (Dettori) obviously knows the place and we're very hopeful.

"The word at the Curragh is that Kevin Prendergast's horse (Dunboyne Express) is working very well and he could be anything.

"But all we can do is get our own horse there in good shape and hope for the best."

Like Casamento, Dubawi Gold was supplemented at a cost of £17,500 at Monday's five-day stage but will be one of the outsiders in the colours of Eddie Stobart chief executive Andrew Tinkler.

The Michael Dods-trained colt was suited by the step up to seven furlongs when springing a 25-1 surprise at Ascot earlier this month, and connections are looking forward to the challenge.

"Obviously it's a tough race and there are some good horses in there, but Andrew was keen to supplement him and to have a go," said Dods.

"He got the seven furlongs well. Ascot's a stiff track and it suited him.

"I think we're right to give him the chance in a race like this. It's the end of the season."

Dubawi Gold made all the running last time but Dods wants to avoid his horse being a sitting duck against classier opposition.

"Looking at the other horses I've found quite a lot of pace in the race, so we will have to sit down and decide what we are going to do. I'll go there with an open mind," he went on.

"We're not just going to go out there and blaze the trail for everyone else. We are going to have a look at the race and see what the best way to ride the horse is."