Halford Fields Five Strong Ascot Squad

Curragh trainer Michael Halford intends to send a team of five to Royal Ascot next week headed by last years Listed Chesham S. runner up Toscanini (Ire) (Shamardal).The Godolphin-owned 3-year-old colt, who was also Group 1 placed when finishing second in the National S. as a juvenile, was last seen finishing third to leading G1 Commonwealth Cup hope Alexander Anthem (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in a Group 3 at Naas and like many challengers next week he has a choice of engagements. “I will probably have five for Royal Ascot,” said Halford, who tasted Group 1 success previously in Britain courtesy of Casamento (Ire) (Shamardal).”Asbury Boss (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}) is in the Ascot Stakes on Tuesday, Hasanour (Giants Causeway) will go for the Royal Hunt Cup if he gets in, while Toscanini could go for the G3 Jersey S. or the G1 Commonwealth Cup. Portage (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) is in the Britannia, and Tonkinese (GB)(Authorized {Ire}) is in the Chesham,”added the Kildare handler. One high profile member of the Halford team missing the meeting is Raydara (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}). Of the Aga Khan homebred filly Halford commented, “Raydara will not be going to Ascot. She is just not right and won’t be going anywhere for the moment.”