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Tanya's Blog - 20th December 2011

Brendan Powell lit up Plumpton yesterday with his treble, coming good for the blog. He was grounded and humble in receipt of recognition and a joy to watch as his riding talent grows. Success breeds confidence so watch out for him at Taunton today with a major chance in the 1pm aboard Wine’N Dine.

DANTARI has often been an each-way selection in competitive Saturday handicap hurdles. He has a front-running style which could see him go well in Taunton’s 3.05. He was fifth in the Lanzarote at Kempton and sixth in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival this year, further advertising his credentials.

Musselburgh encountered no problems overnight and has a card rich in runners. It’s the battle of the Flat horses in the 12.50pm and I’m going to side with my November Handicap selection this year, MERCHANT OF DUBAI. At Doncaster, though, he didn’t get going until all too late. On his hurdles debut it was a fair effort at Kelso with his second.

I mentioned Brendan Powell at the head of the column and we are blessed with a plethora of fine young jockeys, another one to keep in the notebook is Dean Pratt, attached to John Quinn. He rides for his boss in Musselburgh’s 2.20 aboard ZAPLAMATION, and is well worth a second look.

Pointers

James Reveley has ridden four winners from his last eight rides

Keith Reveley has had four winners, three seconds and a third from his last 11 runners

Jimmy Fortune has ridden five winners, a second and two thirds from his last 19 runners

Tim Vaughan has had five winners and two seconds from his last 14 runners

Paul Nicholls has had 17 winners from his last 49 runners at Taunton

Andrew Glassonbury and Simon Burrough have had three winners from their last five Taunton runners