Kalifourchon At Sandown

Today we have just two meetings, both over the sticks at Ffos Las and Sandown.  The stable has one runner this afternoon as the improving Kalifourchon takes in the conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at 12.45pm.  Our four year old is on a firm upward curve having won three of his last four starts - Michael Heard takes the ride and claims a handy 6lbs off his back.  The official going is currently being described as good/soft which should be fine.  It is a great shame that the Future Stars Chase has only attracted four runners, but at least there is a quality field with Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Coneygree making his seasonal return.  Coneygree is well clear on official figures, although with the first three in the market all having their first starts of the season, much will depend on who is the fittest.

The ground at Ffos Las is described as heavy and when the heavens open there it becomes a real test - the ground gets really 'givey' and there will be plenty of runners who get pulled up.

With remembrance day almost upon us, I see that the sponsors of the meeting at Sandown will give £200 for every Henderson or Bradstock horse that has a poppy brushed into his quarters and the money will go to the Royal British Legion.

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There is a big local derby this afternoon as Arsenal take on Spurs at 4pm.  I have mates who support both teams - they go to the matches together but sit at opposite ends of the stadium!  Let's hope that Arsenal have managed to get over their hiding in Germany last week - if so, it should be an interesting match.

Meanwhile Aston Villa are at home to Manchester United at 1pm on Sky Sports.  It is a nice first match for Villa's new manager Remi Garde as his side are not expected to win and therefore he will not be under too much pressure.  Perhaps I am being stupid?  Football fans always expect their teams to win even if they are terrible!

I see that former England manager Steve McClaren has tipped Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe to be a future England manager.  I am not sure if that is good news or bad news - Howe is only 37 and I thought that in order to coach England you had to be well into your 60's!  You would also be a little concerned given McClaren's record as England boss.

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I have just read that 4,153,237 people got married last year.  Given that I am something of an expert on marriage(!), I could be wrong, but I would have thought that ought to be an even number?!

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