Abracadabra Magic!

David produced a good training performance yesterday to get Abracadabra to win on his first start for the stable when getting the better of odds-on favourite Lockstockandbarrel in the novices' chase at Leicester.  I reckon the commentators must have been reading my blog as he said "David Pipe has worked his magic on Abracadabra Sivola!"  He jumped pretty well in the main and outbattled the favourite in the closing stages under a good ride from Tom Scudamore.  He looks like a nice staying chaser in the making so hopefully he can build on this promise and go on to better things.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with two jumps fixtures from Wincanton and Bangor as well as all-weather flat cards from Wolverhampton and Kempton.  David has one runner at Wincanton; La Vaticane while Closer To Home runs on the all-weather at Kempton.  La Vaticane carries 11-11 in the 2m4f handicap chase and she has some decent form in the book, most notably when second at Kempton in a hot handicap hurdle last season - she travels well and ought to run a big race under Tom Scudamore.  Closer To Home reverts to the flat after three runs over timber - he was useful on the level in France, winning on a couple of occasions but this is a competitive little race.  Adam Kirby rides.

All eyes will be on Victoria Pendleton this afternoon at Wincanton as she takes part in the hunters' chase at 3.20pm.  She was unseated from her mount Pacha du Polder at Fakenham last time and there will certainly be more pressure today because of that.  If she doesn't get a clear round today I don't see how they can let her take her chance at the Festival.

Many happy returns to three great characters!  I notice that Gordon Elliott, Lorna Vincent and 'Arry Redknapp all share a birthday today - they could tell some tales between them!

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It is getting tight at either end of the Premier League and if Tottenham Hotspur win at Upton Park this evening, they go top.  If this happens I will be turning my phone off!  At the other end of the division, Aston Villa are down, while Norwich are also looking to be in dodgy position.

The other big game of the evening is between Liverpool and Manchester City.  City are 15/8 to get a win away from home and if they are to win the Premiership this is a match they need to get a result in.  I will also be having a wager on Manchester United at 4/6 to beat Watford.  United seem to be on an upward curve at present and I am sure that will please my old mate Tony no end!

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Police found a false leg and a pint of beer outside a pub in Doncaster yesterday.  They say the owner was legless!

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