ALEX DONOHUE

Weblog: A Ladbrokes look at the sport

Metro Mutro progresses to an Oxford maiden open

The last few months have certainly kept me on my toes, in the dog world and beyond. Some readers may recall a few teasers in the last blog, referring to a project which I was quite excited to get off the ground. I’m pleased to say that we’re still only at the first bend of a marathon trip but we’ve flown out of the boxes in style, exceeding expectations both on and off the track. I am, of course, talking about the most exciting thing to hit Crayford since the new geo-thermal Sainsbury’s opened:  Metro Mutro.

I’ll go into the Mutro story in a bit more detail later in this blog as it would be remiss of me to wax lyrical about one animal when there are several superstars to talk up who complete the field for the Ladbrokes Pall Mall.

Approaching the semi final stage the dog we’ve been most impressed by is the ante-post favourite Droopys Loner. We laid the bitch to decent money in anticipation of a good show in qualification and those on at the bigger rates must have been impressed as the jolly blazed the trail with the fastest time in qualification, thus strengthening her hold at the top of affairs in the betting.  Last year’s winner Brittons Empire appears ideally housed as he makes his bid to double up, but has yet to excite punters to the same degree while in the next semi the runner we’re sweetest on is track specialist Smart Bid.

Goa Getta, a dog who we liked at huge prices in the Derby, remains in the mix and has been trimmed for glory as well as You Mind Me who also hovers at an attractive looking double figure quote.

Those after a live outsider at a price shouldn’t discount local star Aherlow Shaw who looks to have a plot draw in the stripes. Our odds compilers have him down as a dog who makes the final, which explains their decision at the time of writing to remain a joint-top priced 33/1 about the selection!
That being said, we endeavour to be as competitive as possible on the events we sponsor and it’s no offers that come final night there will be concessions, prices and specials to suit all tastes.

With any luck, the aforementioned Metro Mutro will have a run in the Thames Valley in front of the Sky cameras on Pall Mall night following her spin in a maiden open there on Thursday. It would be quite a story to see her shoot to Sky company from a debut in S3 a few months ago but it’s testament to Barry O’Sullivan and his team as he assured me we had a bitch on our hands who was going places and that has certainly proven to be the case.  Credit also to the Metro newspaper which has been incredibly supportive and have dedicated space to her and her story every week. Considering the paper’s readership it’s quite a coup for the sport and as she continues to be a real money spinner both at home and hopefully on her travels; it’s a project I’m sure will bear fruit for some time.

It’s hard to avoid football at the moment but anyone looking for an escape from Euromania could do worse than to head to Oxford on Tuesday night when England take on the Ukraine in what now looks like a decisive match in the group. Then again, for those who can’t miss a second of the action, screens will be up throughout the venue beaming pictures live.

As a firm club-over-country man I can’t get too excited about England but love the overall thrill of a major tournament; my ante-post tip France are looking like a side who are playing nice stuff but subsequently struggle to get the ball in le onion bag. Despite their draw with Poland I fancy Russia to do well now, especially with the knockout stages cutting up. The value has all but disappeared now however, as you’d expect, but you’re right to feel smug if like one colleague you’ve got an interest on Dzagoev to be the top scorer at 100-1!

If you’re at Oxford do come and say hello. Given the Metro Sports editor will be on his jollies for the meeting I may end up in the bizarre position of having to hand the trophy to myself, which would be a nice dilemma to have. As always, tweet me @LadsAlex if you have any idea of a winner, or have any feedback on how we’re doing since our fresh immersion into sponsorship in this great game. 

Incidentally, Metro Mutro runs in the 8.30pm race at Oxford on Thursday. Our prices in trap order are: 6/4, 4, 4, 6, 5, 7. We'll be coming out of trap four and whilst hopeful we're also realistic and think she has to ping and get out to win. Having said that, she has rewarded her followers before at big prices. Very excited all round and to get her in front of the Sky cameras next would be incredible given her start in S3 not so long ago.