Abracadabra Magic!

The stable enjoyed another winner yesterday when Abracadabra Sivola (pictured above) battled on bravely to land the staying handicap chase yesterday afternoon at Taunton under another good ride from David Noonan.  David set some steady fractions in front and his mount kept responding bravely, seeing out the 3m4 1/2f trip very well.  These are important times for the young jockey as he rode his claim out aboard Mr Clarkson on Thursday although he can still claim his 3lbs allowance for 72 hours from that day.  He is a talented, courteous and professional young lad so let's hope that he can make a go of it.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Wetherby and Fontwell while there are a couple of all-weather flat fixtures from Lingfield and Newcastle.  David Noonan makes the long trip up to Wetherby to ride Stay Out Of Court and Duc de Beauchene for the stable.  Stay Out Of Court runs in the 2m5 1/2f handicap hurdle - he is very consistent with five places from his first five starts - the slight step back in trip could help and he looks sure to run well once again.  Duc de Beauchene ran a race full of promise when runner-up on his racecourse debut in a heavy ground Ffos Las bumper.  That experience will not have been lost on him and he is another with a good chance.

Tom Scudamore heads to Fontwell where he partners Sweettoothtommy in the 2m3f handicap chase at 4.40pm.  He has some fair placed form to his name and he could be in the shake-up if putting his best foot forward.

I see that trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies was fined £140 by the Warwick stewards - he tried to get his charge Carzeam to start by waving his arms and as we all know, that is a big no-no these days.  Anyway, the horse still failed to start and Nigel was £140 out of pocket.  David has broached the subject a couple of times and I have to say I agree with him - it is in everybody's best interests that these horses start and when you consider some of the assistance the flat horses get in the stalls, waving your arms hardly seems like outrageous behaviour.  It's about time that someone used a bit of common sense.

I see that Richard Johnson is yet to be secure a mount for the Grand National with little over a week until the big day.  Surely someone will put him up?  The champion jockey not riding in the world's most famous race just doesn't make sense.

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has said that it is time for the club bosses to get tough with manager Arsene Wenger.  It would appear that Wenger is in complete control of the club and while they are a lucrative side, a lack of silverware is starting to become a touchy subject with many of the supporters.

Snooker player Judd Trump knocked in a maximum 147 break in the China Open yesterday on his way to a 5-3 win over Tian Penfel - he now progresses to the quarter finals.  It was Trump's third 147 - at least there is still a Trump out there getting things right!  I once saw a 147 break by Ray Reardon at Pontins, Bracklesham Bay - on those old holiday camp tables it was more like a 247!

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How to save money on a bigger television...move your sofa closer to your old TV!  Have a nice day...

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