(ROD GALLEGOS is a senior presenter and commentator with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.)

Old habits die hard.

Although the merger of the AJC and STC is almost a formality, there still are pockets of resistance with a "them against us" attitude. Some STC supporters are aggrieved that Darren Pearce defeated Michael Kenny for the prime post of CEO at the yet-to-be-named merged club.

Both candidates put forward their credentials and Pearce won. One has to assume it was a fair fight; there are equal numbers of STC and AJC men on the board and Pearce was assessed to be best suited to the post.

In these days of racing trying to stave off strident competition from a variety of other sports, including interstate organisations, a concerted effort on behalf of racing is an absolute necessity. One strong racing club is the answer from an economic and organisational point of view.

Dissidents, who continue to snipe at the merged club concept, should embrace an often-used phrase: Get Over It!

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COLLEAGUE Andrew Bensley had an enthralling interview with the now-retired champion jockey, Mick Dittman, on Sky Sports Radio on Racing HQ recently.

As well as recalling career highlights, Mick tossed up a thoughtful observation.

While admiring work done with apprentices by the various controlling bodies he hinted that "old heads" like his may be a valuable addition.

Not that I think he is chasing a job but, with all due modesty, he suggested he had something to offer the young riders of today.

My association with racing in a journalistic capacity goes back to 1960s and in that time there have been few better jockeys than Leonard Ross Dittman. In fact, if pushed to give an answer, I would have to say he was the best in my time.

And I think he could some invaluable advice to apprentice riders.

******

IN A SEASON where the depth of two-year-olds is questionable, the Blue Diamond Stakes still is unclear.

Caulfield winner on Wednesday, Sepoy, earned justifiable rave reports and he is in line for the $1million Patinack Farm bonus if he follows up his Preview win with success in the Blue Diamond Prelude and the Blue Diamond.

Despite the authority of Sepoy, I was taken with the game effort of Sydney filly, Anevay, which was a gallant second to One Last Dance in the fillies Preview.

Although as much as $151 was offered by TAB Fixed Odds early in Blue Diamond betting, the current quote of $9 is still quite enticing.

*****

THE pre-weekend highlight of racing will be the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley tonight (Friday).

It is being touted as a match race between parallel mares, Typhoon Tracy and Ortensia. The two five-year-olds will be eyeballing each other from the start because Typhoon Tracy has barrier two and Ortensia alongside her in three.

Typhoon Tracy has the strike rate edge with 10 wins from 18 starts while Ortensia has won eight of 22. Mind you she lost one win because of a positive swab.

TAB Fixed Odds has Typhoon Tracy a $2.30 favourite but I am keen on the $5.50 chance Whitefriars from the Rick Worthington stable.

Whitefriars has raced left-handed in Perth and has the benefit of a splendid second under lights at Canterbury a fortnight ago. The back-to-form jockey Jim Cassidy will give him every chance.