Mick Halford trainer of Toscanini© Photo Healy Racing
Toscanini bounced back to his best, as he took the Listed Dubai Duty Free Jumeriah Creekside Dash Stakes in a first time hood.
Without a win since last July, the Mick Halford trained four-year-old was fifth and tenth in two starts at Meydan earlier this year.
He was third to Ardhoomey on his most recent effort at Cork last month, and he was sent off a 4/1 chance today with Shane Foley in the saddle.
Sent straight to the front, the Goldolphin owned bay made all, and he was ridden inside the final furlong, holding off the challenge of Flight Risk by a head.
The runner-up was returned the 10/3 favourite under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger, while Jamesie (8/1) was two and a half lengths back in third under Pat Smullen for David Marnane.
Mick Halford said afterwards: "We always knew that he was a talented horse but he just needed to get stronger.
"Turning four helped him and we gelded him when he came back from Dubai.
"He relaxed today. He just tried to do it all in one breath at Cork. We took the cheekpieces off today and put a hood on.
"He was a bit weak last year. He's such a cruiser that people were disappointed when he came off the bridle.
"He battled it out today though and Shane said when Kevin's horse came to him he wanted it.
"He's a decent horse and hopefully that will do his confidence good. We'll stick to six furlongs with him. Today was the plan and we'll see from here."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
