Weekend Jottings

Another victory for race planning (or not as the case may be)!  There are just two flat meetings taking place this afternoon with the action from Doncaster and Salisbury.  You would have thought that they could have put a couple of yesterday's fixtures (there were seven) on today to balance things out a bit...or maybe even have slotted in a jumps meeting or two.  At least Salisbury have some decent racing with a Listed contest scheduled for 3.45pm.  It looks as though everything is building towards the Royal meeting from Ascot which starts on Tuesday.  It looks as though David will have a runner in the Ascot Stakes, a race he won in the past with Junior.

Talking of Royal Ascot, David will have to dust of his top hat - with that on he will be seven feet tall!  When I used to don the old topper I used to look like a penguin.  Meanwhile, a few of the home trainers have been moaning about the access American handler Wesley Ward has been allowed to exercise his string of raiders (nothing that isn't allowed in most countries when our trainers travel overseas).  I was amazed to hear that most of Ward's youngsters had never even seen a five furlong straight!  As far as I can see, the more overseas trainers we can attract, the better for the sport globally and if that means allowing them use of the track so be it.

I noticed earlier in the week one to put in your notebook.  Ebbesbourne was a very unlucky loser at Newbury on Thursday.  He looks a typical Sir Michael Stoute improver and so long as the handicapper does not crucify him, he looks very much one to keep on the right side of in the coming weeks and months.

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I see that Leicester City have put a £50 million price tag on their goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel to try to scare off the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.  If he was a centre forward £50 million would be very reasonable.  How many goals would he save for you through the course of a season?  United could be in trouble if they lose their star keeper de Gea who probably saved them 20 goals last season.

Danish motorcyle speedway star Nicki Pedersen has pulled out of his home grand prix next month with a suspected broken neck.  I think I would know if I had a broken neck!  Mind you, I am renowned for not being the bravest!

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I went to the zoo the other day.  It was empty except for a single dog...it was a Shih Tzu!  Keep smiling...

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