Toscanini Goes For Sprint Prize

Time/Date - 16.20hrs local time/Sunday, August 9, 2015 Racecourse/Country - The Curragh/Ireland
Surface/Distance - Turf/6f

Toscanini steps back up to Group Three level for the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Phoenix Sprint over six furlongs at the Curragh, Ireland, on Sunday, August 9.

The Michael Halford-trained three-year-old kept on well for a neck success over Letters Of Note in a Naas conditions race over the same distance at Naas on July 8.

He finished a close fifth in the seven-furlong Group Three Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 17 and started his season with a pair of appearances over six furlongs, including a third in the Group Three Racing Post Lacken Stakes at Naas on June 1.

Toscanini ran two excellent races at the Curragh last year, chasing home Gleneagles in the Group One Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes and going down by half a length to Dick Whittington in the Group Three Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Anglesey Stakes.

William Buick partners the Shamardal colt for the first time.

Michael Halford reported: "I am very happy with Toscanini. I am hoping that the ground becomes good given the dry forecast, which should suit him.

"We are putting cheek-pieces on him as he tends to idle in front. His win at Naas last time was a nice confidence boost and the runner-up has advertised the form by winning a Listed race.

"I was always confident about running him over six furlongs. He got seven as a juvenile but travels so well during his races - he is always the last horse off the bridle - and a fast-run six at the Curragh will suit him well.

"He has been working well and I expect him to give a good account of himself. When everything falls right, there is a big day in him."

Toscanini takes on seven rivals including Group Two winners Mattmu, Anthem Alexander and Maarek.