Thieves A Steal At Worcster!

The stable enjoyed a nice winner at Worcester last night as Orchard Thieves defied an absence of 825 days to make a winning debut under rules in the 2m7f novices hurdle, beating the odds-on favourite of Nicky Henderson.  He returned a massive 20/1 and I did say that his point-to-point second to Trainwreck had worked out well, with the winner now rated in the mid 130's.  He is certainly entitled to improve for the experience and for this first start in over two years and he clearly rates a useful prospect...a very good training performance from David.

There are loads of meetings on as you would expect from a Bank Holiday weekend with seven meetings taking place.  The action comes from Haydock, Goodwood, York, Chester and Salisbury on the flat, while there are jumps cards from Cartmel and Ffos Las.  There are no runners from Pond House today, although stable jockeys Tom Scudamore and David Noonan head off to Ffos Las for a few outside rides.  I am not sure I would be wanting to back any of them, although I am sure they will be pleased to hear that - the last time I said it, Noonan booted home a 12/1 winner just to make me look silly!

The big race of the day is the Irish 2,000 Guineas from the Curragh at 4.10pm.  Aidan O'Brien has four of the eleven runners, while Mark Johnston has the favourite Elarqam who is ridden by former champion jockey Jim Crowley.  US Navy Flag looks to be the best of the O'Brien contingent.

The big news yesterday was that there was no trouble at Goodwood.  The not so good news was that some idiots vandalised Thirsk racecourse causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.  If they ever catch the idiots that did this I would like to ask them what they get out of smashing sinks in the toilet block.  If things were stolen I could at least understand the material gain, but smashing the place up is just mindless...I must be missing something.

We enjoyed a great visit to Jamie Osborne's stable yesterday in Lambourn.  As you can see from the photograph above, he doesn't change very much (Jamie that is).  Jamie was a very good jockey but he is a much better talker!  He once rode a treble for Martin and can you believe, he even had a copy of Martin's book in his office.  Jamie is a real character and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

*****

It is the Champion's League final in Kiev tonight and you can back Liverpool at 9/4.  The trouble is, you can only watch the match on BT Sport and listen on Talksport.  It sounds like a night down the pub is in order (just for the football you understand), so I will be taking the unsuspecting Mrs Barnes out for a drink tonight!

*****

I have been thinking about a change of careers and becoming a mind reader...what are your thoughts?  Have a nice weekend...

Tweet