Two Leicester Runners

Following the busy day yesterday where the stable had runners at all four of the National Hunt meetings, we return to a bit more normality!  There are only two fixtures taking place today with jumping action from Carlisle and Leicester.  The stable has two runners at Leicester; Famousandfearless and Batavir.  Tom Scudamore is aboard the pair and there is some very good prize money up for grabs with both races worth of £10,000, so a big pat on the back to the course for securing such funds, there are many other tracks out there who could do with taking a bit of notice.

Famousandfearless (pictured above) looked progressive when winning a couple of staying chases and wasn't beaten all that far in the Desert Orchid Chase at Wincanton last time.  This is a competitive race, as you would expect for the money but he looks sure to give a good account.  Meanwhile Batavir makes his debut for the stable in the handicap hurdle having been purchased in France during the summer - we will know more about him after this, but he had some decent form across the Channel and appears to be another nice prospect for the stable.

There is a great looking card at Fairyhouse with three Grade One races to savour.  A P McCoy travels over for three rides at the meeting and I would be surprise if he didn't walk away with at least one winner.

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Following on from the very sad passing of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, I remember years ago when I thought I might make a decent cricketer.  I faced just two balls from West Indian opening bowler Keith Boyce - I didn't see either one of them but heard the thud of the ball as it hit the back of the coaching nets...it was at that point that I realised that my cricket career was over.  I know that the ball that felled Hughes hit him in an unusual place, but it amazes me that the helmets don't offer better protection.  I can't see any value in trying to ban the short ball, but maybe there is a way in which the ball can be made softer?

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There is a good football match to look forward to this afternoon as Southampton play host to Manchester City.  Southampton are currently second in the Premier League, yet you can still get 2/1 about them at home - the bookies must still think their form is a flash in the pan.  This will be a big test for Manchester City and their one man team!

The match between Tottenham and Everton at 4.00pm looks as though it will be a close call - I am stupid, but will have to back Spurs at odds of around 11/8!