Ffos Las Success For Shakey

We had another good day yesterday when Shaking Hands, our sole runner at Ffos Las duly obliged in the staying handicap chase.  Given a postive ride from Tom Scudamore, 'Shakey' made this a real stamina test and making all, he gradually came clear to win well in the end despite the burden of 11-12...a really good effort.  He is a tough and honest stayer who thrives when conditions are demanding and he should continue to flourish when stamina is at a premium.

Today there are three meetings scheduled to take place and the good news from Newbury is that although they are inspecting at 9am, the prospects of racing going ahead are pretty good.  There is no frost under the covers and they seem optimistic of racing - I certainly hope so as it is the only jumps fixture of the day.  Lingfield and Kempton host all-weather flat meetings but they don't exactly inspire me...although it is midweek, there is action from a Grade One jumps track, yet there is still only the paltry total of £87,000 in prize money spread across the three meetings.  I wonder how much the betting turnover on these cards would be?!

The stable has two runners at Newbury this afternoon - Alderluck and Vieux Lion Rouge.  Vieux Lion Rouge has had just the one start and was impressive when winning the same Ffos Las bumper as Gevrey Chambertin twelve months before.  This does look to be a better race and he does have to shoulder a penalty although another big run is expected from our four year old.

I see that Frankie Dettori had to get dressed up as a woman for a task on Celebrity Big Brother.  He actually looked very feminine - the thing that worries me is that he seemed to like it a bit too much for my liking, he certainly had the outfit on plenty long enough.  I wonder if he will try to beat his ban by riding as a woman?!  Watch out Hayley Turner.

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There is a great fight to look forward to as Carl Froch tries to beat Mikkel Kessler.  Remember, Froch was beaten by the Dane in 2010, but this time he is odds-on favourite with the bookies to level the score at home.  Surely when you get into the ring with another fighter and he hits you on the chin, it doesn't matter if you are home or away?!

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There is some exciting footballing action on tonight as Manchester United take on West Ham at 8.05pm on ITV, while Arsenal play Swansea at 7.30pm on ESPN.  Much as I hate to say it, it looks like being a home double.  With my beloved Hammers playing, there are no prizes for guessing which match I will be watching.

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Golfer: "Do you think my game is improving?"
Caddy: "Yes, you miss the ball much closer now!"