A Few Near Misses

Today it is all about flat racing again with meetings taking place at Hamilton, Leicester and Kempton.  The stable hit the bar a few times yesterday with Purple 'N Gold finishing third at Plumpton and Bathwick Man filling the same position at Uttoxeter.  If Purple 'N Gold had jumped either of the last two flights fluently, I think he might of won...I guess that is why they say jumping is the name of the game.  Bathwick Man (pictured above) stuck on well to finish close up in third in the handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter - he has been running creditably of late and looks to be on a reasonable enough mark to suggest that he can continue to be competitive.  Standing Ovation fell at the second fence...we could just do with a bit of luck on our side.

What a day to remember for young Oisin Murphy on Saturday who rode an incredible 9,260/1 four timer at Ayr.  He only had his first race ride in May - he's in good hands working for Andrew Balding and certainly looks to be one of the apprentice finds of the season.

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The local derby was something of an anti-climax yesterday as Manchester City looked to be different class to Manchester United, winning 4-1.  If City played like this all season they would be absolute certainties for the Premiership...the trouble is you never seem to know which side you are going to get.  Fellaini looks to be well overpriced at £28million.  United should have bought a centre half and a couple of decent full backs who don't think they are wingers!

Vidic and Ferdinand have both seen better days - I bet the boss can't wait for January when they get an opportunity to sort their defence out.

If you lose the players confidence you will get the sack - just ask Paolo di Canio who had the old pac-a-mac after just 13 games and 175 days in charge of Sunderland.  I wonder how much it will cost the club to get rid of him?

While we are on the subject of football, below you will see a video of lifelong Liverpool fan, owner Terry Neill.  Tery gives his thoughts on the season ahead as well as a dark horse to follow...

Terry Neill Horse To Follow 2013/14

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Stenson managed to keep himself steady to win the Fedex Cup in America by three shots, in the process landing himself a cool £6.3million - not a bad weekend's work!