4 Runners At Haydock

There are seven meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Lingfield, Ascot, Nottingham and Thirsk as well as a mixed card from Haydock and jump fixtures from Warwick and Hexham so there is a bit of something for everybody.  David has four runners at Haydock today; Taj Badalandabad, Dell' Arca, Doctor Harper and Purple 'N Gold.  Dell' Arca was fourth in a competitive handicap at Sandown last time out, not beaten that far and the step up in trip could help him.  He has claims at odds of around 10/1 - a comment that also applies to our other runner Taj Badalandabad who won last time out at Ascot.  He is higher in the weights today but is progressive and has an excellent strike rate (6 from 11 under rules) and has conditional jockey Michael Heard in the saddle once again.

Doctor Harper was sent off favourite at the Cheltenham Festival last time but proved disappointing.  He is better than that and he is favourite once again today for the intermediate chase and a big run is expected.  Meanwhile Purple 'N Gold is joint favourite for the 5.00pm race - a 2m2 1/2f handicap chase.  He has to bounce back from a rare disappointing effort last time but he finished a good second on his penultimate start and has won from a mark of 129 (he runs from 130 today) so it is not difficult to see him run well once again.  It could be a good day for the stable...let's hope so!

I think every steward inquiry should be televised by Attheraces or Racing UK.  I would have love to have heard what was being said after the O'Brien 1-2 in the Chester Vase earlier in the week.  I wonder what Seamie Heffernan said about his ride aboard Port Douglas?  I bet his explanation was well-rehearsed!  I have been to lots of inquiries down the years when MCP wasn't available and they are very interesting and sometimes just downright funny!

It looks as though Nicky Henderson has another good chance at landing a big flat prize this afternoon as Sign Of Victory runs in the 2.30pm at Ascot.  He is one to keep an eye on in the hands of William Buick - maybe Buick will even be able to keep hold of his whip?!

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There will be more celebrations in Leicester today when they play Everton and receive their Premiership trophy...it really is an unbelievable  story.

The big game today is between Norwich and Manchester United with both teams needing a win for completely different reasons.  Sunderland host Chelsea while Newcastle are away to Aston Villa.  My bets are Newcastle at 13/20, Leicester at 10/11 and Manchester United at 10/11 - you heard it here first!

Spurs player Mouse Dembele was on the receiving end of a 6 game ban and to be honest I don't think it it long enough!  You can't gouge someone in the eye - even if it is Diego Costa!

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Phyllis Diller once said, "I'm at an age when my back goes out more than I do!"  I can certainly relate to that.

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