Runner at Uttoxeter

There are five meetings taking place this afternoon with the action coming from Royal Ascot, Hamilton, Chelmsford and Ripon on the level, while there is a jumps fixture from Uttoxeter.  David has one runner today as Skinflint contests the 2m7½f novices' handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter at 5.50pm.  He was runner-up in an Irish point-to-point and has hinted at ability over timber but has yet to reach the frame.  Quite how he has earned top weight of 11-12 I am not quite sure, especially with a couple of previous winners on 10-5 and 10-11 but hopefully the handicapper is right.  Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

I thought that David's sole runner at Royal Ascot, Percy Street ran creditably in the Ascot Stakes and was certainly better than his finishing position would suggest.  He travelled well in a good position for much of the way and was upsides the leader entering the final furlong before weakening quickly.  He looked like a non-stayer to me on this first attempt at the longer trip and he looks like he can be competitive over slightly shorter.

It was Frankie Dettori's day on day one of Royal Ascot with the Italian landing a treble and in the process becoming the third most successful rider at the meeting of all time.  One of our former jockeys, Jamie Moore was there and he looked really uncomfortable in his top hat and tails, in fact he ran away from the television cameras!  Golfer Justin Rose could be in attendance today as his wife Kate owns Master Merion.  Merion is the name of the golf course where Justin won his first Major.

All eyes will be on Cracksman and Frankie Dettori in the Prince Of Wales at 4.20pm.  He made hard work of victory at Epsom last time but prior to that had looked to be making up into something of a superstar.  Mind you, he is going to be short at 4/7.

I was busy on the gallops yesterday while David was lording it up at Ascot and I managed to get a nice picture of the Jo Tracey owned pair Impulsive American (left) and Lochinver (right) during exercise.  Lochinver is a new recruit to the yard, while old favourite Impulsive American is engaged in three races at Perth later this week and is likely to contest one of those.

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There was a great result for England in the cricket yesterday as they set a new world record of 481 runs in 50 overs as they annihilated the Australians by 242 runs.  Without wishing to detract from England, this must be one of the worst Australian sides of all time.

Andy Murray looked like he was struggling to overcome his injury woes as he was defeated by mouthy Australian Nick Kyrgios at Queens'.  At least the Aussies has something to cheer about I guess.  It is hard to envisage Murray playing at Wimbledon, never mind being competitive.

The papers have already started to hype England up following their unconvincing win against Tunisia with the press comparing Harry Kane with Christiano Ronaldo.  Fine player though Kane is, there is just no comparison...sorry Harry.  I will be having a wager on Portugal to beat Morocco at 4/6 today - the favourites in the other matches are all far too short.

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What do brainy cowboys listen to?  Rodeo 4!  Have a nice day...

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