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Ten Bob Tony tops brilliant day for Walker

3 minute read

Ten Bob Tony capped off a brilliant 175/1 across-the-card treble for trainer Ed Walker when narrowly getting the better of Kinross in the Group 3 John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock.

TEN BOB TONY (orange cap) winning the John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock Park in Newton-le-Willows, England.
TEN BOB TONY (orange cap) winning the John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock Park in Newton-le-Willows, England. Picture: Getty Images

Stepping back up to seven furlongs after finishing fifth in the Listed Wentworth Stakes on his final start last year, Ten Bob Tony was forced to pull out all the stops by the multiple Group 1 scorer Kinross, who looked as though he was going to get the upper hand in the closing stages.

However, under an all-action William Buick, Ten Boy Tony found more and clung on to prevail by a head, with Volterra back in third. John and Thady Gosden's Audience finished a disappointing seventh, while Alyanaabi was a spot further back in eighth.

Buick told ITV: "This fella kept grinding and he was really good. He showed some good level of form last year and he really stuck his head out here – it was a good performance."

The winner was cut to 33/1 (from 100s) by Paddy Power for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, with the same firm going 12/1 for the Royal Hunt Cup.

Buick said: "Royal Ascot is not too far away, so regarding his next step I wouldn't be too sure. Ed's horses are flying, and this fella has more to come. I really liked how he did it because it wasn't made easy for him."

Over on the Knavesmire, Scenic came with a late rattle under Saffie Osborne to get the better of the 6/5 favourite Term Of Endearment in the Group 3 the William Hill Bronte Cup Fillies' Stakes.

A winner of the Listed Galtres Stakes at the Ebor meeting last season, Ed Walker's contender looked to have work to do to peg back the 6/5 market leader Term Of Endearment. However, she drew level with William Haggas' charge in the closing stages before nosing to the front to score by a head.

"She's a legend, she was awesome here in August and David (Ward, owner) very sportingly kept her in training," said Walker.

"She's just a really lovely, game horse and it's a big result. We've always had this race in mind and then we just snuck in the race at Goodwood first, the ground was right and we thought it might bring her forward.

"We couldn't get on grass much this spring, so there's improvement in her still."

A return trip to York looks on the agenda next time out, with the Group 1 Prix de Royallieu mooted as a major end of season target.

He told the PA: "We'll probably come back for the Yorkshire Oaks, she's loves it here and we've absolutely nothing to lose.

"We'll have a crack and then the Prix de Royallieu at the end of the year will be the big shot for her."

Ed Walker's Balmoral Lady landed the Listed Achilles Stakes earlier on the Haydock card.


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