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Tanya's Blog - 25th May 2011

Mtoto, what a horse, what a hero of mine, I was at Sandown working for SIS when he defeated Reference Point, the memories of having to be silenced by my friends and colleagues and almost being lamped by backers of the favourite. I had backed Mtoto, he was an equine superstar of my generation, I admired the way he had the cheek to come back and claim victory the following year as well, this time beating Shady Heights. That’s when Group Ones were proper and had strength and depth. Now all we do is bicker when a horse wins a prime contest and state – yeah but it wouldn’t have won a race of that nature 20 years ago.

What you can say about Mtoto is, in my mind, he would have won all the Eclipses since and given Sea The Stars something to think about. Mtoto was a horse who made the turnstiles click with more frequency and he added to the gate. Repeating what it states in the papers it was his late burst of speed. Farewell to a giant of the industry. A massive hint to Coral, they should name a race on Eclipse day in his honour, that would be a wonderful gesture.

In a tentative link what a wonderful card Sandown has tomorrow evening, with Workforce taking centre stage. The Derby and Arc winner returns and I can’t believe he is Evens, that is huge. From 4.45pm to 6.25pm tomorrow is free to air, how about that, so don’t miss out, five races in that space of time from Sandown, Ayr and Wetherby, fabulous. It gives you a taster of tremendous action.

I’m so out of form that I’m only going to give you one selection at Beverley this evening, LILY’S ANGEL. She did everything wrong at Chester, missing the break and then having to come through a wall of horses and yet she still won. Vocational will be her main danger in the betting and in the race, but could set up the race for her.

Another heads up is that the layers are out to get ORGANISATEUR in Newton Abbot’s 2.30 readily available at 8-11 at the time of writing, he seems one to oppose.

Later today I’m off to sit with the Greyhound Writers Association and the Greyhound Board of Great Britain and have a brainstorming session about the sport. Just in time after witnessing Wimbledon on Saturday just gone. There needs to be so much more to advertise this wonderful sport. I'll report on the debate tomorrow

POINTERS

Paul Nicholls has had four winners and two thirds from his last eight runners

Biggest beneficiary at present from Paul Nicholls rich vein of form is Daryl Jacob in his new role as the stable’s number two jockey, he has had six winners and two seconds from his last 14 rides

George Baker, the trainer has had four winners and two seconds from his last eleven runners

Tim Vaughan has had four winners, a second and a third from his last 9 hurdle runners

Tom Dascombe has had five winners from his last eleven runners
Five of the last six favourites have won Ayr’s 2.10