Toorak Toff beaten but he's the one to beat in Guineas, says Oliver

PETER Moody's Anacheeva may have claimed the Prelude, but Damien Oliver says Toorak Toff is the one to beat in the Guineas, reports the Melbourne Herald-Sun.It says: Oliver was effusive in his praise for Toorak Toff, who was caught three deep throughout and surged to the front in the straight only to be nabbed on the post by Anacheeva. While TAB Sportsbet shortened Anacheeva from $11 to $7.50 third favourite for the Guineas, Toorak Toff was posted as a $5 favourite with Newcastle Spring Stakes w

PETER Moody's Anacheeva may have claimed the Prelude, but Damien Oliver says Toorak Toff is the one to beat in the Guineas, reports the Melbourne Herald-Sun.

It says: Oliver was effusive in his praise for Toorak Toff, who was caught three deep throughout and surged to the front in the straight only to be nabbed on the post by Anacheeva. While TAB Sportsbet shortened Anacheeva from $11 to $7.50 third favourite for the Guineas, Toorak Toff was posted as a $5 favourite with Newcastle Spring Stakes winner Ilovethiscity at $6.

"It was a great effort. He just got caught out there a little bit, but he kept going really well. I was pleased with him," Oliver said.

He said Toorak Toff paid the price for starting too well and then was held out three wide by Columbus, who over-raced with blinkers on for the first time.

"I thought if I pressed on, I would be going too hard and by that time I could not come back either. I was caught in a catch 22 situation," Oliver said. "Going towards the Guineas, I could not be more happy with him."

Trainer Rick Hore-Lacy was philosophical about his star's narrow defeat.

"There will be other days," Hore-Lacy said.

Hoop Luke Nolen believes the upside is unlimited to Anacheeva ($10), who closed fast late to win by a long neck from Toorak Toff, backed from $2.45 to $2.25 favourite, with a head to Skilled, who firmed from $16 to $11, a head away third.