Centasia Stars At Uttoxeter

The stable enjoyed a nice winner at Uttoxeter yesterday when Centasia won the mares' maiden hurdle in pleasing fashion.  There are plenty of opportunities in the racing calendar these days for decent mares and she looks primed for a good season.  I thought that Tanerko Emery produced a good performance in the novices' chase to only be beaten 1/2 length by Raya Star (who was rated 10lbs superior over hurdles) and but for stumbling at the last fence, the result may well have been different - he looks a smashing prospect for novices' chases this season.  Our other runners performed okay and in some cases will be a little more streetwise next time.

There is a cracking day of action to look forward to with jump meetings at Wetherby, Ascot and Ayr over sticks while there is also an excellent flat card at Newmarket.  The stable has six runners at Ascot; Consigliere, Dan Breen, My Brother Sylvest, Buddy Bolero (pictured above) and Pleasant Company.  Shotavodka enjoyed a cracking first season over hurdles, racking up a hat-trick and while he is up in class this afternooon he is another exciting prospect for the season ahead.

There is a good race on the Wetherby card for the Charlie Hall Chase this afternoon.  The race revolves aroud former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run and if the handicapper is right, he has upwards of 11lbs in hand of the field and 14lbs in hand of second favourite Unioniste.  As you know though, things are never that straightforward and it should be an exciting contest.  

A P McCoy was at Down Royal in Ireland yesterday to take the ride aboard Champion Hurdle hopeful Jezki.  The champion jockey spent most of the afternoon signing autographs at his local Irish track - it is the first time he has been there in five years.

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I see that struggling Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been dropped for their match against Norwich this afternoon.  Mind you, he has made a series of mistakes and the trouble is, when you are goalie, everyone sees them.  Outfield players can get away with the odd mistake.  It is a strange scenario that the England goalkeeper may not even get a starting place at club level!

Just think, the most expensive player of 1994 Chris Sutton has joined Cromer Town and plays in the Anglian Combination League...mind you, he is 40!

My football bets for the weekend...West Brom at 8/13, Inverness at 5/6 and Wolves at 1/2 - good luck!