Evening at Aintree

            Decoy on the Gallops

David has two runners at Aintree this evening, Decoy and Problema Tic.  Both look very competitive handicap hurdles with plenty of runners.  Problema Tic has lots of ability and if everything drops into place he could run a big race.  Decoy is returning from a little break hacing last run in the Cesarewitch on the flat at Newmarket in October.  Tom Scu rides both horses and both should appreciate the good ground and we are hopeful they both will run okay.  Aintree is the only jumps meeting of the day but there are four meetings on the flat at York, Newbury, Newmarket and Hamilton so lots of action to watch!

Jonjo O'Neill gave AP a steering job for his comeback ride at Ludlow yesterday, Church Field.  He won by five lengths at 2/1 on and it is great to have the champ back in action.  Trainer Jimmy Frost looks to have a useful horse called Union Saint who bolted up in the handicap hurdle with a confident ride from son Hadden.  Jimmy now says he might send him to France during the summer to pick up a few races out there, there is nothing like confidence!

The Man Utd supporters at my golf club were talking about Beckham's retirement yesterday and saying what a great ambassador for football.  I agree with this but who do you think is the best Man Utd player of all time, Bestie, Charlton, Law, Robson, Keane or what about Van Persie?  In the end Beckham came a fair way down the list but it is sad to see another good cockney retiring!

It is good to see that Chelsea have come to their senses and have given Frank Lampard another contract.  He is 6/4 to reach 10 goals in the Premier League next year and if the new manager picks him you would say that is a fair price.

In the cricket, the test match was slow scoring yesterday.  England are 160-4 in 80 overs.