Weekend Jottings!

Just for a change it is a blank day on the level, but the really good news is that there are three National Hunt meetings taking part this afternoon at Wincanton, Ffos Las and Market Rasen.  The stable has one runner, Bois des Aigles in the two mile maiden hurdle at Wincanton today and he will be ridden by Tom Scudamore.  Our four year old has improved with each start and finished a decent third three weeks ago - this does look like quite a competitive race for the grade but we will be doing our best.  Our stable sponsors Bathwick Tyres are sponsoring the entire eight race card - yet another indication of the fantastic support they have been to racing in this country.

I see that former flat champion jockey Ryan Moore is 11/4 to regain his title.  If Sir Michael Stoute had as many horses as he did a few years ago he would have an outstanding year, however you get the impression that this is a pivotal year for Sir Michael who needs to 'bounce back' somewhat following a couple of disappointing seasons by his incredibly high standards.  Incumbent champion jockey Richard Hughes once again has an awful lot of firepower to rely on and I am told that guv'nor Richard Hannon has around 200 two year old's for this season's campaign - when you look at those sort of numbers, I guess the 4/5 about Hughsie looks about right!

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There is some cracking football action to look forward to with Chelsea taking on Manchester City in their FA Cup semi-final.  The kick-off is at 4.00pm and I will be having a little wager on Manchester City at odds of 7/5.  Whoever wins this contest should be more than good enough to beat the other winning semi-finalist from yesterday.

The big battle today is the derby between Newcastle and Sunderland at noon.  This is a real north-eastern grudge match and just to spice things up Paulo de Canio will be running up the touchline in some silly looking jumper no doubt!

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The Masters draws to it's conclusion this evening - apparently the greens are so quick it has been likened to putting on linoleum!  Whoever wins that will certainly deserves the plaudits!