Widden Stud has emerged as a likely base for Toorak Toff after Glenlogan Park studmaster Steve Morley admitted the Queensland nursery faced an uphill battle to stand the Group 1 Golden Rose winner.

In 2009, Widden outbid Glenlogan Park and several other high-profile studs to stand Golden Slipper Sebring and the historic Hunter Valley nursery appears to have the inside running for the latest high-profile stud prospect to come on the market.

Widden upped the ante for Toorak Toff after its Kentucky shuttler War Pass died last month.

Toorak Toff is by Glenlogan Park’s champion sire Show A Heart and he was part of its draft at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale.  He was a $135,000 buy for Caulfield trainer Rick Hore-Lacy.

“Toorak Toff is one of the best horses produced in Queensand for a long, long time,” Morley said.  “If we’re lucky enough to secure the horse that will be wonderful but, if not, to have a son of Show A Heart standing in the Hunter Valley would be a tremendous boost for Glenlogan Park and Queensland.”

Toorak Toff has been kept in light work since it was revealed the colt required throat operation.  Hore-Lacy announced the colt’s retirement last month but, after negotiations with several studs, the option of another campaign after surgery is now a distinct possibility.

”Throat operations are pretty successful these days and he could have another prep. before going to stud,” Hore-Lacy said.  ”While we have made no firm decision, it makes sense to race on and the Stradbroke is very attractive option.”

Toorak Toff defeated Squamosa in the G1 Golden Rose in August and they were booked for a return bout in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas on January 15 before both went amiss last month.

“Toorak Toff is the best-looking horse I have ever thrown a saddle across, bar none,” Hore-Lacy added.  “He will cross very well with Danehill and Australian studs are full of Danehill mares.”