Rose Bids For Famous Double

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps action from Sandown, Leicester and Ayr while there is an all-weather flat fixture from Newcastle.  The stable has three runners at Sandown; Rathlin Rose, Shaama Grise and Mr Clarkson.  Rathlin Rose contests the Grand Military Gold Cup at 3.05pm and is partnered by the incredible Captain Guy Disney - what an amazing story it would be if he could follow up his Royal Artillery success of three weeks ago (pictured above).  He beat Ardkilly Witness that day although the runner-up gets a 5lbs pull this afternoon, let's hope the result is the same!  Shaama Grise runs in the 2m5 1/2f handicap hurdle having narrowly been beaten at Exeter last time - this longer trip looks as though it will suit and she holds solid claims under Tom Scudamore.  Our final runner of the day is the Pipe's Prospectors horse Mr Clarkson who is unlucky not to be unbeaten since joining the Pond House team.  He contests the novices' hurdle at 4.50pm and looks as though he will be suited by this longer trip - David Noonan has won three time aboard him and he has a good chance of making it four today.

Top Wood picked up £2,200 for finishing runner-up at Wincanton yesterday afternoon - he was one of only three in with any chance from a long way out and while ultimately well beaten by the winner, hopefully he should drop a few pounds in the weights for this.

I see that flat trainer Dandy Nicholls has decided to call time on his career with immediate effect citing financial difficulties.  I remember meeting Dandy at the sales many years ago and he very kindly asked if I would like a drink...little did he realise that I was in a group of 12 people - you can imagine his face when he was landed with a bill for £25!  Yes, £25...it shows just how long ago we are talking about!  He is a very good trainer indeed and it is a sad day when someone like him packs the game in.  Meanwhile, Adrian Maguire is also giving up training due to a lack of horses - times are obviously hard for trainers at present.

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I will be tuning in to the football this evening and I will be having a little wager on Brighton to beat Derby at 10/11 - the kick off is at 7.45pm and is on Sky Sports.  While we are on the subject of football, Manchester United had a good result when drawing in Russia on a pitch that resembled the old Derby pitch back in Brian Clough's day.  You oldies will know what I am talking about.

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My dad will be in charge of Sunday lunch this weekend...he rules the roast! 

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