TOP NOTCH TONTO POISED FOR YORK RETURN THIS SATURDAY

TOP Notch Tonto, one of the most popular racehorses in training, is all set to make another bid for glory at York this Saturday.

The five-year-old gelding has built up an army of followers, not least on social media, thanks both to his impressive form and dashing looks.

Chestnut in colour, it is his striking white blaze and four white ‘stockings’ that make him stand out from the crowd.

And last month at York he once again proved he has talent as well, when winning in Listed company on Macmillan Charity Raceday at York, in the company of jockey Silvestre De Sousa.

That was over a mile. This Saturday, the plan is to raise him up in grade, trip and hopefully prize money; for an extended mile-and-a-quarter Group 2 – the Sky Bet York Stakes worth £100,000.

His trainer Brian Ellison said: “Top Notch Tonto worked this morning and I am really happy with him.

“I know we’re stepping him up two furlongs but Silvestre seems to think he’ll stay, so we’ll have to see. I personally think he’ll get it.

“It’s down to the weather, really. As long as it’s nice, good ground – it doesn’t have to be soft or anything. The plan is to run, anyway.

“He’ll be declared, put it that way – but we’ll have a look on Friday night as I’ve got runners there.”

Top Notch Tonto certainly showed a liking for York on that last start. He came from the back to surge past his rivals and win going away by a length and a half.

Ellison said: “I just thought he was very impressive. He showed a great turn of foot.”

That victory – his first since October 2013 – saw him gain a huge ovation as he entered the York winner’s enclosure. But win or lose, Top Notch Tonto is guaranteed plenty of attention wherever he goes.

Ellison said: “The reception that he gets at the races is unreal. Somebody does a Facebook (page) for him as well. People just like him, don’t they…

“When we have the (Malton) Open Day, they just come here to see Tonto, really. You bring him out of the box, he stands there and has photographs with the kids. He loves it.

“To be fair to the horse, he is easy to train. He’ll go out first every day and lead the string, just doing what he has to do. He comes back and eats up.”

Top Notch Tonto is one of 13 entries for the £100,000 Sky Bet York Stakes, a Group 2 that has been won by the likes of Sheikhzayedroad (2014), Mukhadram (2013) and Twice Over (2011) in recent renewals.

York’s two-day meeting commences on Friday evening at 6pm. Saturday’s seven-race card is scheduled to get underway at 1.45pm.