Top Notch effort from Tonto at York
Saturday 13 June 2015 16:16, UK
The popular Top Notch Tonto returned to winning ways for the first time since October 2013 when quickening well to land the Ian and Kate Hall Macmillan Ganton Stakes at York.
Highly tried since a profitable summer two years ago, Brian Ellison's five-year-old was not totally disgraced in the Lockinge on ground much quicker than he appreciates.
Following 13 millimetres of overnight rain there was sufficient cut in the ground to showcase his smart turn of foot in first-time cheekpieces, and he came from last to win from Gabrial
Both he and Gabrial were at the rear as Fire Ship and Elleval put the pace to the race, but while Gabrial appeared to be travelling slightly better, Silvestre de Sousa managed to find another gear on Top Notch Tonto.
He quickly went two lengths clear and while Gabrial closed to within a length and a half, the 7-1 chance was a ready winner of the Listed race.
Ellison said: "He always does work well at home but we put cheekpieces on him at home and they really woke him up.
"He's been in at the deep end, he wasn't beaten far in the Lockinge on ground that was much too quick.
"Once the rain came I really fancied him.
"I don't know where next, but we'll probably keep him away from Group Ones for the time being."
