One Runner At Exeter

*Leader Of The Gang - N/R 4.30 Exeter*

Today there are three meetings taking place with two over jumps at Exeter and Newcastle as well as an all-weather flat card at Southwell.  The stable has a couple of runners, Henok and Leader Of The Gang (pictured above, left) at Exeter providing the fog lifts - it has been dense around the yard this morning and I am sure you have heard how exposed and open to the elements Exeter is up on Haldon Hill.  The ground is certainly drying out very quickly although I know there is some rain due for the end of the week...I just hope that they don't overwater for the Cheltenham Festival which starts in a week's time.

While we are on the subject of Cheltenham, if you are looking for anywhere to go after each day of the Festival, Cheltenham's communications manager Andy Clifton suggests two local pubs - The Plough at Ford or The Hollow Bottom at Guiting Power.  They are two great racing pubs and you will have a real craic at the latter!

Apparently Nicky Henderson worked four together on the gallops yesterday including Simonsig and Champion Hurdle hope Grandouet and the grey favourite for the Arkle was supposed to be very impressive.  Personally I don't go an awful lot on these nine furlong gallops at home - you can read into them what you want.

Legendary owner and punter J P McManus has said that if you have had a bet in the Champion Hurdle, you should have a saver on his Binocular...you have heard it straight from the horses' mouth (well almost!).

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No prizes for guessing where I will be this evening ast Manchester United take on Real Madrid live on ITV at 7.45pm.  I think that the bookies have the market about right - Real Madrid are favourites at 13/10.  I am almost certain that Real will score as I am still not convinced about United defense against a top quality side.
I will be having a little double on the other matches - Cardiff at 3/4 and Wrexham at 2/5.