Towcester Winner!

What a good performance from Shaking Hands to land the staying handicap chase at Towcester yesterday on bottomless ground.  Under a good ride from Tom Scudamore he made every yard of the running and was never headed - he has always been a resolute galloper and coped well with the heavy going on this very stiff track.  It was somewhat reminiscent of Master Overseer last week, not least that he was carrying the same colours (which stayed very clean!) of Brocade Racing who are enjoying a good run of form.  I think that Shaking Hands must be about the only one who loves the rain coming down!  Purple 'N Gold ran respectably in third place at Kempton last night and perhaps a drop back in trip could be the answer for him?

Today there are three meetings taking place, one over the sticks at Ascot as well as two all-weather flat cards at Lingfield and Wolverhampton.  We have just the one runner, Plumpton bumper winner Kings Palace who bids to follow-up in the 3.40pm at Ascot.  Our four year old was very impressive on his debut and while this afternoon's test will be much tougher he will again be partnered by AP McCoy and he looks an exciting prospect.

Yesterday we went to the unusual length of supplementing Junior for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day at a cost of £10,000.  I can see where the owners are coming from - if it becomes a real slog it could be £10,000 well spent, he has stamina in abundance and appeared to relish the testing conditions last time out at Newcastle...I am sure there are worse 50/1 chances about, especially as some of the entries are sure to drop out.

*****

I saw a great piece of riding from young Willie Twiston-Davies at Lingfield yesterday.  Willie rode them to sleep, kicking off the bend to steal a five length lead that he never relinquished - it was a really good tactical ride and he looks right at home in this flat game.

*****

Sadly England's Twenty20 cricket team looked completely out of their depth against the Indians.  I know they are a young side, but a score of 157 is disappointing to say the least and will not cut it against a side like India who won with ease.  They will have to improve quickly or it could be a short international career!