McGaughey unfazed by Top Billing’s 12 post in Fountain of Youth

Top Billing’s “like a puppy dog,” according to Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey (Wendy Wooley/EquiSport Photos)

The highly regarded Top Billing will test stakes company for the first time
Saturday in the Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream
Park. Listed at 7-2 on the morning line, the stretch-running colt drew post 12
in the 13-horse field, but trainer Shug McGaughey isn’t overly concerned about
the post position in the 1 1/16-mile test.

“I don’t think it’s going to hurt him,” McGaughey said. “Obviously, I’d rather
be six of seven, but I’d rather be there than stuck down on the inside with his
running style. Hopefully, the speed will show on the inside, and we can save a
little ground around the first turn and get into position on the
backside.”

Top Billing, a son of Curlin and the A.P. Indy mare Parade Queen, will be ridden
once again by jockey Joel Rosario. The chestnut colt was described as “a
handful” in the early stages of his training last year, but has matured markedly
and settled down in his current routine.

“He used to be a little rambunctious when they were breaking him, but he’s never
been that way since we’ve had him (at the track),” McGaughey remarked. “He’s not
that way now — he’s like a puppy dog. It’s one of the good things about him, too,
that traveling with him is not going be a problem.”