Off To Arqana!

I did say yesterday that I thought it was going to be a difficult task to notch a winner at Worcester and so it proved, however both Purple 'N Gold (third) and Houston Dynimo (fourth) both performed with credit.  Purple 'N Gold was conceding plenty of weight to the two in front of him so this was another decent performance, while Houston Dynimo looks like his turn is not too far away, especially granted a quicker surface - the trouble with both of these horses is they rarely get any respite from the handicapper as they are so consistent.

There are five meetings taking place this afternoon with flat action from Haydock, Yarmouth, Newbury and Epsom as well as a jumps card from Perth.  Tom Scudamore makes the long trip up to Perth for one mount aboard Quito de la Tresor in the 4.10pm race and it will be something of a shock if the 'one ride' theory works today.  Perhaps he is going up to take a look at the new 26 bedroom lodge that can be used on non-race days by the public?  I remember when I stayed up at Perth years ago I was put up in a caravan...how times have changed!

David is off to France today as he goes across for the Arqana Sale at Deauville.  This has been a happy hunting ground in the past as he has picked up the likes of Grands Crus, Dynaste, Gevrey Chambertin and Vieux Lion Rouge to name but a few from these sales.  Let's hope he can find some more equine stars this time around.  Don't forget, you can always contact our office if you are interested in becoming an owner at Pond House.

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I was watching the tennis from Wimbledon yesterday, particularly the Federer versus Willis match and it was extremely entertaining, not least because world number 772, Wilis predictably wound the home crowd right up.  Of course Federer won comfortably 6-0 6-3 6-2 and looked completely different class to his opponent.

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It is hard to believe that any Englishman would turn down the job of England football manager.  Well, that is exactly what Gareth Southgate has done, mind you he has about as much experience as I do of managing a top flight team!  He must know what a God-forsaken job it is!  I see that Sam Allardyce and Steve Bruce have both expressed an interest in managing the national side...at least they are keen!  Sam would certainly tighten the defense up, look what he did at West Ham.

There is a good match to look forward to tonight as Poland take on Portugal at 8pm on ITV.  Poland look interesting at 3/1 or you can get 6/4 about them qualifying.  Portugal are a one-man side and so far that man, Christiano Ronaldo has not played that well.  They are certainly a false price.

Finally, a bit of advice...never read a pop-up book about giraffes!  Have a nice day...

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