Toronado could be the horse that realises the Derby dream for Richard Hannon Forty years ago, Frankie Durr, the jockey who was to prove such a ­positive influence on Hannon's early fortunes as a trainer, rode 50-1 chance Mon Fils to victory in the 1973 ­Guineas. It was a breakthrough at the highest level for 27-year-old Hannon, and a springboard to a stellar career in racing. During the winter in Barbados, Hannon sought out John Magnier, the Coolmore supremo, for his view on whether Toronado had the ­pedigree for the job. Magnier, who stands Toronado's sire High ­Chaparral, was adamant that the colt had the bloodlines to pull it off. But Toronado's dam side highlights some notable talking points. The colt's mother, Wana Doo, is by Grand Slam, who was runner-up in a ­Breeders" Cup Sprint yet was also placed in the Haskell Invitational, over nine furlongs, at Monmouth Park. He had also earlier run in the Belmont Stakes, over a mile and a half, so clearly there was some indecision about his right trip. Grand Slam was by Gone West out of an El Gran Senor mare, so Toronado's bloodlines features a cross of the great Northern Dancer. That is the theory, but it is on the racecourse that we see the evidence. Hannon respects Magnier's ­opinion and has strong views of his own on the subject of what it takes to win a Derby. "Twenty years ago, I trained a horse called Assessor for the Derby," he said. He was a good stayer - he later won the Prix du Cadran and the Italian St Leger - but the mile and a half at Epsom was not for him. He was a real stayer. You need speed to get a position in the race. The adage that if you are certain a horse is going to stay the mile and a half at Epsom, then he is probably too slow, is true. It is a race which is ­usually won by horses with the blend of class and brilliance, underpinned by stamina. Toronado is such a relaxed and easy-going colt, he could be ideal for Epsom. First though, he must get the better of Godolphin's Dawn Approach, who is trained by Jim Bolger, on Guineas day. The success of Maureen [Fred Darling] and Olympic Glory [Greenham Stakes] at Newbury on Saturday meant that Hannon won three of last week's four Classic trials. Sky Lantern finished second in the other to emphasise the depth of three-year-old talent in the trainer's string. Leading Derby contender Telescope, who is trained by Sir Michael Stoute, will not run at Sandown on Saturday as had been expected. Owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing said the son of Galileo will now run at either Chester or York. Highclere reported: "Telescope will not run at Sandown and will instead head to either the Dee Stakes at Chester or the Dante at York. He is in great form.