GET ON TOP!
Hurdle ace Tug can find it plain sailing in the Ebor
TOP TUG can give top jumps trainer Alan King victory in one of the biggest Flat handicaps of the season, the Betfred Ebor (3.35, ITV), at York today.
Although he’s better known for his exploits during the winter months, Barbary Castle-based King (right) knows what to do with a good horse on the level – as he has demonstrated with Top Tug. The former Sir Michael Stoute trainee, a winner over hurdles for the in-form King, has run well in three fiercely contested races this summer and is primed to atone for a disappointing 12th in this race 12 months ago. “He is definitely a better horse than he was last year,” said King. “Top Tug seems happier back on the Flat. Sometimes it improves these old horses.” It’s not hard to share
King’s enthusiasm. Top Tug made his return to action on the Flat in a mile-and-a-half handicap at Newmarket on 1,000 Guineas day, finishing second to Frontiersman.
Stepping up two furlongs, my selection went one better in a handicap at Goodwood 20 days later before coming home fourth in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot. And off the same handicap mark, Top Tug can land the £177,413 first prize under today’s jockey Martin Harley (left).