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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Regal performance by Viztoria in Blenheim

Sun 30th Sep 2012, 15:06

Johnny Murtagh looks over at the big screen as he comes home clear aboard ViztoriaJohnny Murtagh looks over at the big screen as he comes home clear aboard Viztoria
© Photo Healy Racing

Viztoria confirmed the big impression she made when a wide-margin winner on her debut at Naas back in July with a performance out of the top drawer to pulverise her six rivals in the Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Blenheim Stakes.

Formerly trained by Ado McGuinness and now in the care of Eddie Lynam, the well-backed 5/2 favourite asserted over a furlong out for Johnny Murtagh in this Listed event.

The Oratorio filly really stretched out inside the final furlong and drew right away from her rivals to beat Snow Queen (7/1-100/30) by seven and a half lengths. Tennessee Wildcat (10/1) was a further length and three quarters back in third.

Lynam said, “I got a phone call to train her and only have her a few months. It’s tough on Ado (McGuinness) as he did a good job and deserves most of the credit.

“I was told she was a bit special when I got her which puts you on a hiding to nothing as you can only mess things up. She’s very professional and Johnny was very impressed.

“She will have one more run this year in a Group 2 at Maisons-Laffitte. It will be soft there!”

Bookmaker reaction was swift, with Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and Stan James all introducing her at 16/1 for next year’s 1,000 Guineas.

Stan James go 33/1 for the Oaks, while Power's make her 20/1 for that classic. Awakened Spirit finished last and it was reported that she proved difficult getting to post, travelled well but found nothing off the bridle - may have been feeling effects of previous two hard races.

Meanwhile Talitha Kum (2nd last) was reported to be showing signs of being in season post race.(EM)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.