Four Runners At Taunton

The good news is that after an early morning precautionary inspection, our local card at Taunton has been given the go ahead to race.  That means we have two cards to look forward to with Taunton hosting a decent jumps fixture, while there is action on the all-weather at Southwell.  The stable has four runners at Taunton this afternoon; Thomas Junior, Decoy, Makadamia and Western Diva.  I though that Makadamia (pictured above) looked interesting if she can reproduce her debut second at Warwick in a seventeen runner bumper - that form looks solid and partner Sam Waley-Cohen takes a handy 5lbs off her back.

There is a fascinating clash at Southwell this afternoon.  Incredibly the seller looks to be the highlight of the meeting as all-weather legends La Estrella and Stand Guard take each other on.  Between them they have won an amazing 47 races (La Estrella 24 wins, Stand Guard 23) on the artificial surface and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top this afternoon.

I know it sounds obvious, but if you are going to have a bet in an amateur riders' race always take a look at the jockey on board.  Miss Serena Brotherton is different class to most of the lady riders out there - only yesterday she gave Consistant a peach of a ride to win the amateurs' race at Wolverhampton.  With Terry Norman (used to be Kieren Fallon's agent) booking her rides, she should get plenty of winning opportunities.  Meanwhile, Joe Fanning rode a four-timer at the track, including gambled-on Sir Charlie Kunz who we tipped up here.

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Looking through the trainers' standings I see that Paul Nicholls is over £500,000 in front of Nicky Henderson now.  That will take some pegging back, especially as some of the Henderson horses haven't been firing.

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I keep asking why owners and trainers continue to compete for prizes of £1,900.  It would appear I am not the only one as trainer John Butler seems to agree.  You could win four of these races in a season and still not cover your training expenses and that just seems ridiculous.

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There is a cracking local derby on tonight as Liverpool take on Everton.  This is the Mersey Cup Final - every scouser wants to win this one for the bragging rights.  Liverpool are a best priced 17/20 and appeal to me as the most likely winnners.

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Snooker legend Steve Davis takes on Dominic Dale tomorrow in the German Masters.  The six times world champion Davis needs prize money to keep his card.  He is currently number 58 in the top 64.  I am amazed and full of admiration at how he keeps going - a true inspiration.