'She's done it nicely' - James Horton off the mark for 2023 with smart filly Too Much

James Horton enjoyed his first winner of 2023 when Too Much beat several promising types in the mile handicap.

Horton, who began training exclusively for owners John and Jess Dance last season, got off the mark with his third runner of the year when the filly stretched to a comfortable victory.

The daughter of Showcasing had shown promise in three novice starts and could be picked out of the field travelling well from some way out, while the even-money favourite Burnish laboured.

"She's done it nicely," said winning rider PJ McDonald, who is also retained by the owners. "She's very consistent. We were humming and hawing about the mark as we'd have loved to get her below 70 and she got 72, but she showed there the handicapper was about right.

"Hopefully, she can progress. She's honest and she tries hard, so hopefully we can get another couple of wins out of her."

The same team will hope for more success as the Flat season gathers pace, with good handicappers Phantom Flight, Rhythm Master and Asjad to look forward to.

Power packed

Win Win Power landed his fourth course win of the year in the second mile handicap.

The six-year-old has been out of the first four only once in six outings since moving to Mick Appleby's yard and asserted his dominance in the closing stages to justify 6-4 favouritism.

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