Perspicace At The Abbot

We have four meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Ayr, Windsor and Wolverhampton while there is also a jumps fixture from Newton Abbot.  Newton Abbot have once again done an excellent job and have the most prize money on offer for their seven race card.  David runs Perspicace in the 3.20pm race; a 2m2 1/2f handicap hurdle.  He was a little disappointing last time out but had won his previous two starts over timber.  He is still 6lbs above his last winning so will require an improved performance under Tom Scudamore.  Meanwhile Tom also looks to have picked up a nice outside ride aboard Edgar for David Bridgewater.

Of yesterday's runners Purple 'N Gold ran another very good race to finish third, beaten less than a length in the competitive handicap chase at Uttoxeter.  He never lets the side down but the problem is that he will probably go up another pound or two in the handicap for not winning.

There was more trouble at the weekend as twenty men were involved in a brawl before the Bootleg Beatles performed at Lingfield on Saturday night.  Sooner rather than later people will not be allowed to take alcohol to these events and as usual it is the actions of a few that ruin things for everyone else.  It is the start of the Galway Festival today and I reckon they must sell more booze at that fixture than any other on the calendar.  They never seem to have any trouble...perhaps the Irish can just hold their drink better?!

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I don't understand why England captain Alistair Cook did not make Pakistan follow-on when we were 391 runs in front.  Maybe it was to give his two fast bowlers a rest...remember they are both coming back from injuries.  Having said that, I would have enforced the follow-on, although that might be some of my 10/11 talking!

Michael Van Gerwen retained his Darts World Matchplay title last night and picked up £200,000 for beating Phil Taylor 18-10.  Mind you, he still has some way to go before he beats Taylors overall record.  It is amazing how popular the 'sport' of darts has become...these finely tuned athletes are treated like rock stars.

What a fantastic performance from Chris Froome to win his third Tour de France over the weekend.  He celebrated by drinking a lager while only having one hand on the handlebar...I hope there were no police about!

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Mrs Barnes said she wanted me to whisper dirty things in her ear.  I said "kitchen, bathroom, living room"...keep smiling!