Tanasoq edges El Astronaute to scoop sprint feature for Paul Midgley

Paul Midgley has carved out a reputation as a specialist trainer of sprinters and produced Tanasoq ready to score a stylish victory in the feature Borderlescott Sprint Trophy, where the six-year-old defeated grand campaigner El Astronaute by a head.

One of four darts fired at the conditions event by Midgley, Tanasoq landed a gamble under Graham Lee after being backed into 12-1 (from 20). Despite being a longer price than two stablemates in the betting Midgley believed he was potentially better than his mark of 94.

"I always felt he was going to win a nice sprint this season,” said Midgley. “I thought before the race that I’d be surprised if he wasn’t rated in the 100s at the end of the campaign.