Skylander's Newton Success

The stable continued in good form yesterday afternoon with a welcome with a welcome success from Skylander in the 2m5 1/2f handicap hurdle.  It was a good finish with our six year old gelding prevailing by a short head under Kieron Edgar.  He has been running well this term without getting his head in front and this was a much deserved success.  With only a narrow margin the difference between victory and defeat, let's hope that the handicapper isn't too harsh.  Perspicace finished fifth in the same race and looks as though he could do with a little help from the assessor, while Prince Of Poets was fourth in the seller - he is looking difficult to win with although I am sure David will find another good opportunity for him.

There are five meetings taking place this afternoon and they are all on the level at Ayr, Newbury, Newmarket, Catterick and Wolverhampton.  Even so, the stable does have a runner as recent dual hurdles winner Low Key takes in the Cesarewitch Trial at Nemarket today, a race for which he is second favourite according to the bookmakers.  He has won his last two starts on the level (albeit almost a year ago) and he is now 17lbs higher, but he could hardly be in better form.  Champion apprentice jockey elect Tom Marquand is in the saddle and claims a valuable 3lbs off his back and a big run is anticipated.

The big race of the day takes place at Ayr.  The Ayr Gold Cup looks more like a cavalry charge - it is a six furlong sprint and is contested by 25 runners.  The favourite at 10/1 is Don't Touch and I think that just about sums up this race to a tee!

There was a sad farewell to one of our long serving staff members yesterday as we said goodbye to Sam Fox, who had been a valuable member of the team here at Pond House for fifteen years.  The time was right for Sam to take on new challenges so we wish her all the very best with that.  Below, she is pictured on her final morning with David, former head lad Dennis Dummett, Carol and Martin.  I remember when Sam first started, Martin was very excited about Sam arriving - I think he thought it was the model Sam Fox.  Good luck Sam, we are going to miss you!

*****

England made a good start to their campaign for the Rugby World Cup last night as they beat Fiji 35-11, although having spoken to my rugby-mad mate I am not sure if that is good or bad!  He tells me that England should have put up more points than that.  Anyway, 82,000 people were at Twickenham so it must be quite a popular sport!

*****

Apparently Tiger Woods will not play any more golf until next year.  He has had to have another operation on his back...I hope it is a success as golf would benefit no end if the greatest player returned to some sort of form.

*****

I see that Arsene Wenger is supposed to have had £200 million to spend during the transfer window.  I would love to know why he didn't spend it?  He desperately needs some new players on his team so I don't understand what was to be gained from keeping his powder dry?  You would think it was his money he was spending?  I wonder whether he gets a cut?!  Anyway, Chelsea take on the Gunners today at 12.45pm and it is covered live on BT Sport - it should be interesting as both teams seem to be struggling at present.

The big match of the day is on Sky at 5.30pm between Manchester City and my beloved West Ham.  While City look by far the likeliest winners, I think the 10/1 on offer about the Hammers is too big to miss!  I will be having a little treble on Liverpool at 4/6, Newcastle at 13/8 and Tottenham Hotspur at evens...you heard it here first!

*****

A little joke to start the weekend off with a smile...

Patient:  Doctor, Doctor!  I keep thinking I'm a wigwam and a teepee.
Doctor:  Calm down!  You're two tents!

Tweet