Two Newbury Runners

There are four meetings taking place today with two jumps cards from Newbury and Sedgefield as well as all-weather flat fixtures from Lingfield and Wolverhampton.  The stable has two runners at Newbury; Willem and Border Breaker.  Border Breaker (pictured above) was a winner last time out at Taunton when partnered by today's jockey Michael Heard.  I don't think the handicapper has taken any chances putting him on a mark of 116 although conditions should suit and he should go well once again.  Willem disappointed on his first start for the stable at Ascot but he had some decent form in the book back in France and he is clearly capable of a better show - Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

Our sole runner at Chepstow yesterday, Susie Sheep shaped with a bit more promise yesterday as she finished fifth on her hurdling debut.  The former point-to-point winner was sent off the 5/2 favourite but looks as though she will benefit from stepping up in trip.

Jockey Danny Cook was given a six month ban yesterday after testing positive for cocaine.  Employer Brian Ellison summed it up nicely when he said that he had been an idiot.  It's a great shame as Danny is a talented jockey and not a bad lad - he worked at Pond House a few years ago and rode a Cheltenham Festival winner aboard Great Endeavour.  He obviously needs some help to get his life back on track, let's hope that he finds it.  Will a six month ban stop him from taking cocaine?  Personally I do not understand the need for drugs - I have never even had the urge to smoke.

I can't believe that there are now rumblings about a five day Cheltenham Festival.  I am completely knackered at the end of four days so I sincerely hope that they do not extend it again.  It looks like the course are trying to make a bit more money - leave well alone!

I do not usually bet ante-post although I have been given a tip for Lincoln handicap on the level.  There has been a good word for GM Hopkins who is currently an 8/1 chance.  Take a price as they say he will shorten up - this has come from a very good source.

I have long applauded Newton Abbot for the excellent prize money they put on considering the size of the course.  Once again they are showing how a racecourse should operate as they are guaranteeing an average of £50,000 per meeting for 2015.  Their first meeting of 2015 starts on Wednesday and they fully deserve a good turnout.  Today's meetings at Sedgefield, Lingfield and particularly Wolverhampton (£30,000) do not yield such good prize money...personally I believe that every track should be made to stump up a minimum figure for each meeting and £50,000 sounds like a nice round number - if Newton Abbot can manage it, why can't the others?

Bookmakers William Hill are betting 5/6 that yet to be capped Spurs striker Harry Kane scores for England at home to Lithuania or away against Italy.  Basically they are offering 5/6 that he can score against the Lithuanians and he might be worth a little flutter.

Finally, a man dressed as Darth Vader attempted to hold up a bank in North Carolina.  He was clearly a daft raider as he disappeared into space...you couldn't make it up!

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