3 minute read
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 although 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."
That completed a double for Ellison, initiated when Apterix came with a late run in the prestigious Queen Mother's Cup for Laura Wilson.
The dual-purpose five-year-old was settled in the rear but came with a rattling finish to deny Marmion and Innocent Touch, who for a long while looked to have everything under control.
Wilson was seen to good effect, though, and the 12-1 chance won by half a length and a neck.
"I was stuck behind a wall of horses and when I got out I just started kicking and he picked up," said 32-year-old Wilson.
"I've ridden him a few times at Brian's, where I work, so I knew how good he was - I was more worried about me!"
Ellison said: "He's won two over hurdles and his maiden on the Flat, he's in good form. The plan was to lead if nothing else wanted to, but she ended up quite far back.
"He'll have a break soon, but while he's in this form we may as well carry on. He's in the (Northumberland) Plate, but whether he'll get in I don't know."
As is tradition, Wilson won her weight in champagne which weighed out at five boxes and a few bottles.
Micky Hammond has never had his horses in better form and while he takes a short break in Portugal, the good run shows no sign of stopping as Corregio (8-1) just held off First Sitting in the Ice Co Supporting Macmillan Handicap.
