Arca Awesome At Ascot

Dell' Arca won the 2m7 1/2f conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at Ascot yesterday under another good ride from David Noonan.  The stewards looked into Dell' Arca's improved form compared to recent outings, although this was undoubtedly less competitive than the Martin Pipe race at the Cheltenham Festival in which he ran last time and he has been rated 10lbs higher previously.  Meanwhile, I thought that Three Star General ran a nice race on his hurdling debut on his first start for 266 days.  He can only improve with this experience under his belt and he looks like a winner waiting to happen.

My super superstitious mate told me that Dell' Arca's success was a good omen for the Grand National on Saturday and that the colours would be carried to victory in the big one at Aintree - let's hope that he is right!

I was a bit disappointed to see that my Racing Post was ruined this morning by a great big picture of David on the front page!  I am only joking (or am I?!), there is a great two page article about David and his Grand National favourite Vieux Lion Rouge.  I am looking forward to my annual trip to Liverpool with David, especially as we are always so well looked after by our old mate Gino who has an interest in Blacklion - that should certainly make for some interesting conversations!

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps action from Ludlow, Kelso and Huntingdon.  Stable jockey Tom Scudamore travels all the way up to Kelso for three rides for his brother, while Conor O'Farrell has picked up a nice outside ride at Huntingdon.

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What a win from Johanna Konta in the Miami Open tennis yesterday as she beat Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 in the final - it is the best result from a British lady in 40 years.  She also won £937,105...not a bad day's work.  Furthermore she is now ranked number 7 in the world.

I hope you followed me on Saturday with my little Liverpool and Watford double coming up.  Some miracles do happen!  Meanwhle Arsenal managed to get a good point against Manchester City with their 2-2 draw (although I do think the referee missed a penalty for City in the last minute).

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Finally, a thought for the day...why do Americans choose from just two candidates for President but fifty for Miss America?

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