Michael Bell is optimistic that Tony Montana will soon progress to black-type races this season, but is content for the four-year-old to continue earning valuable prize money in handicaps for now.
The Kingman gelding started the year impressively with wins at Chester and Windsor in May, securing victories by half a length each time. After a less favourable performance in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot, he rebounded with a determined third-place finish in the John Smith’s Cup at York in July, earning just over £24,000—the largest prize of his career to date.
Tony Montana continued his strong form with a length and three-quarters third place behind Take Heart in the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap at Goodwood, adding £12,000 to his earnings.
Bell, who recently celebrated a win with Carrytheone in the Racing League feature race at Chepstow, is considering Tony Montana for the next round of the team event at Windsor, where the winner will receive over £38,000.
“He’s in great shape,” Bell said. “He has an entry in the Racing League at Windsor on Thursday, where he’s a course and distance winner. If he doesn’t run there, there’s a 0-100 race at Yarmouth the following Sunday.”
Bell noted that Tony Montana was shuffled back in the John Smith’s Cup at York but ran well at Goodwood, despite being caught for a bit of toe a furlong and a half out. He added, “The horse is thriving and having a good season. If he wins his next start and reaches a rating of 100, we might consider black-type races. For now, while he’s rated in the 90s, valuable handicaps are the priority.”