Worcester Runner

There are five meetings taking place this afternoon with flat action from Sandown, Yarmouth, Doncaster and Newbury as well as a jumps card from Worcester.  David has a runner today as Chic Theatre takes in the two mile handicap hurdle at 5.05pm.  He was a winner at Market Rasen from this mark in December but has disappointed of late, including on this track last time out.  He is more than capable of running well if putting his best foot forward under Tom Scudamore.  Tom and David Noonan have both picked up some outside rides on the rest of the card.

I see that Highland Reel has taken a big drift in the betting ahead of the King George at Ascot this weekend.  He is now a 5/1 chance with Paddy Power and trainer Aidan O'Brien insists there is nothing wrong with the horse.  Six of his nine victories have come on good/firm ground while he has never won on anything softer than good - perhaps the forecast rain is the reason for the drift?  Perhaps it is that he has to concede a stone to English and Irish Oaks heroine Enable?  I am already suspicious...it must be my mind!

It is Conor O'Farrell's birthday today.  He is a spritely 28 years of age, although he already seems to have been around forever since David took him on at Pond House as a conditional jockey.  Since then he has landed the Midlands National aboard Minella Four Star and the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival on Buena Vista to name but two.  Many happy returns Conor.

I see there was some interest in the seller at Catterick yesterday.  The winner was bought in for £6,500 while the second was claimed for £7,000 and the third was the subject of a friendly claim.  Races such as this benefit the course and present opportunities to trainers - I keep saying it but we need more sellers and claimers on the calendar, especially over further!

*****

The third cricket test match starts at the Oval today at 11am.  The series is tied 1-1 at the moment and my bet on England to land the series is looking a little shaky after they were destroyed by South Africa in the last match.  I shouldn't have been gloating after the first test!

Former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has retired (again).  He posted a message on Instagram saying 'the end'.  I wonder if he will be missed?

There is a televised football match between Everton ann Ruzomberok at 8.05pm on ITV4.  Do you know where Ruzomberok is?  Well, it's in Slovakia...every day is a school day!  Everton are 1/8 shots and really ought to win.

*****

I hate being strapped for cash...but you have to make a living somehow!  Have a nice day...

Tweet