Brilliant Big Shot!

Mr Big Shot (pictured above) was a ready winner of the novices' hurdle at Carlisle yesterday and while it probably was not the deepest of races, he could do no more than win emphatically.  In coasting to victory he was extending his unbeaten record to three and the form of his previous starts has been well advertised - he is clearly a very exciting prospect and will make a smashing chaser, while he is also bred to get a lot further.  Tom will ride few easier winners this season and it is a nice confidence booster heading into the Grand National meeting.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Aintree and Taunton and all-weather flat fixtures from Southwell and Chelmsford City.  The stable has two runners at Taunton; Carqalin and Daklondike.  Carqalin reverts to the smaller obstacles in the selling handicap hurdle at 2.10pm.  He is now 30lbs lower than his initial mark and ran his best race to date last time out over fences - this represents a drop in grade and he has small each-way claims in the hands of in-form David Noonan.  Meanwhile, Daklondike goes in the 3m handicap hurdle at 3.15pm - he was an Irish point-to-point winner so you would think this trip would be ideal and he looks to hold a good chance under Tom Scudamore.

David has no runners today at Aintree for the first day of the Grand National meeting.  Even so, we head up there a little later this morning and we will take in the sales after racing.  As always, I know that David has been going through the catalogue at length so if you are interested in joining the Pond House team and making a purchase, do get in touch.

Leopardstown yesterday had 10,000 students in attendance.  What a great initiative as these are the people who we need to be interested for the future survival of the sport.  We have to get more youngsters involved, the trouble is they younger generation on this side of the Irish Sea just don't seem to have the same level of interest.

I was saddened to hear that one of MCP's great mates Robbie Fowler senior passed away last night.  He used to phone Martin regularly for tips as he liked a little flutter and he was a fantastic character.  He was father to Liverpool footballing legend Robbie Fowler.

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There was a good win for Chelsea last night as they beat Manchester City 2-1 - the title looks to be theirs for the taking.  Meanwhile there was a great comeback for Spurs last night as they came from a goal down with five minutes to go to beat Swansea 3-1.

I have had all my bets on Dustin Johnson for the Masters and then he goes and falls down a step at home and hurts his back.  Sadly he is going to play and my bookie won't refund my money - I just hope his back doesn't start hurting...he does swing hard and very quick.

I see that two wrestlers and a weight lifter have been stripped of their Olympic medals after a drugs re-test.  I wonder who goes to get the medals back?!

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Most boxers abstain from sex before a fight...it must be because they don't fancy each other!  Have a nice day...

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