Four Flat Cards

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon, all of them on the flat from Lingfield, Chepstow, Windsor and Thirsk.  I thought that both of our runners performed creditably at Worcester yesterday afternoon - His Excellency finished fifth, while Purple 'N Gold finished a close fourth and they both sneaked into the prize money.  I thought that Purple 'N Gold was going to win the two mile handicap hurdle going to two out but he did not find as much as anticipated after the last.  He looks a real hold-up job that probably wants to be produced about 50 yards from the line.  He could do with some respite from the handicapper but while he continues to be competitive in his races there is little chance of that happening.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon, all of them on the flat from Lingfield, Chepstow, Windsor and Thirsk.  I thought that both of our runners performed creditably at Worcester yesterday afternoon - His Excellency finished fifth, while Purple 'N Gold finished a close fourth and they both sneaked into the prize money.  I thought that Purple 'N Gold was going to win the two mile handicap hurdle going to two out but he did not find as much as anticipated after the last.  He looks a real hold-up job that probably wants to be produced about 50 yards from the line.  He could do with some respite from the handicapper but while he continues to be competitive in his races there is little chance of that happening.

I see that on average only 605,000 people tuned in to watch Channel 4's coverage of the final day of Royal Ascot - that is a drop of 27% on last year's figures.  Is it that less people are interested in racing or do they have the coverage wrong?  You make up your own mind but whatever it is, something needs to be done.  My wife, who is the racing expert in our household tells me that the racing coverage is far too serious these days...she loves her racing but much prefers the old format - the boss has spoken!

With no jump racing taking place this afternoon it is unsurprising that the stable has no runners today.  However, we will have runners at Newton Abbot tomorrow while below I have included a picture of Dan Breen in action on the gallops - he is engaged in the 2m7f handicap hurdle at Worcester at 4.30pm on Wednesday.  We will know whether he runs for sure tomorrow morning.

*****

It is the start of Wimbledon today so I guess we are in for a change of weather!  Reigning champion Andy Murray begins his defense at lunchtime today with a match against Belgian David Goffin on centre court.  Murray is 1/20 to win the match but given his recent form I wouldn't be rushing out to back him at those odds.

*****

On the football front Croatia take on Mexico today and it looks to be a match that is too close to call...the draw could be the bet at 12/5.

I still cannot believe how many ex-players think that England manager Roy Hodgson should stay and how England have had a good tournament.  Surely against Costa Rica he should play all of his youngest players to give them some experience on the big stage.  Even former boss Sven Goran Eriksson says he would have been given the sack if he wasn't English - he may well have a point!

Tweet?