The considerable might of the Ballydoyle following will be measured again when their American import Verrazano takes on the Richard Hannon-trained favourite Toronado in the opening Queen Anne Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot tomorrow (NZT).
As strong and encouraging as the vibes are about Toronado, this colt, who has not been seen in public since finishing last in the Juddmonte International at York last August, is a ridiculously short price at 5-6 against such a good-quality line-up.
In fairness, he was reportedly coughing after that flop and has continued to please at home. But I seriously object to the price, particularly as Verrazano, an accomplished runner in the United States, really caught the eye when placed in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month.
Verrazano has drawn four in a field of 10 runners, which gives him a chance to get cover in the middle of the pack, while Toronado starts from stall eight, meaning he will be on the grandstand side as they race up the straight. Aidan O'Brien will have learned plenty about the American visitor since his arrival and he can be expected to have progressed.
Not for the first time, O'Brien, who is 4-7 to be champion trainer at the Royal meeting, has caught punters on the wrong leg. Not many expected The Great War, who has been impressive in two outings, to miss the Coventry Stakes tomorrow, for which he was ante-post favourite, in favour of Thursday's Norfolk Stakes.
