One Market Rasen Runner

Today we have six meetings to look forward to with five flat cards from Newmarket, Haydock, Chester, Ripon and Hamilton while there is a jumps fixture from Market Rasen.  David has one runner, Father Edward in the 3.10pm race - a 2m5 1/2f Listed handicap chase.  Our seven year old was an impressive winner last time out at Cartmel on Bank Holiday Monday on his debut for the stable and while he is 13lbs higher in the weights he looks like a progressive individual.  The drop back in trip should not be an inconvenience and he seems to handle most types of ground.  The Post have him as their second favourite and another big run is expected.  Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

I can't decide whether to buy a lottery ticket or have a crack at the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket - 35 runners over 1m1f...I wonder which side of the track will hold the advantage?  The ground is good/firm so the effect of the draw should be negligible (famous last words!).  Ginger Jack - a 66/1 shot is where my pin landed if that is of any interest at all!

It would be great if American wonder filly Lady Aurelia could make it 4 out of 4 in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at 2.55pm following her Royal Ascot demolition job.  Frankie Dettori is in the saddle and in good form so get ready for another flying dismount.  Probably too much to ask for, but another performance such as the one in June would be a joy to behold.

The 8-13 year old's had a chance to show off their skills yesterday with the Shetland Pony Racing on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket yesterday.  It is a great initiative - not only does it raise money for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust, it also gets the youngsters into racing.  Jim Crowly, Sam and Willie Twiston-Davies all tried pony racing so it is clearly a good starting point for any budding jockeys.

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You will never guess where I will be at 12.30pm today...in front of my television (what do you mean 'as usual'?!) watching Manchester United versus Leicester.  United are odds-on at 7/10 although I am not sure I would want to be backing them at short odds.  I will be having a little double on Spurs at 21/20 and Manchester City at 2/5 to put the bread on the table in the Barnes household in the next week.

What a finish to the cricket yesterday with Middlesex winning their first title for 23 years.  They set Yorkshire 240 to win in 40 overs and were bowled out for just 178.  Toby Roland-Jones grabbed a hat-trick and looked pretty pleased in the post-match interview.  Meanwhile, all of Somerset were on tenterhooks as they were hoping for the draw which would have given them the title.  They were aghast at Yorkshire throwing away their wickets - one of Somerset's biggest supporters, author Hilary Bonner had arranged to come across to see Martin & Carol on Friday night and as she opened the door to the island she was totally surprised to be greeted by Martin in his cricket gear, complete with pads, bat & hat!  He said that he was only talking about racing last night, and certainly not about cricket!  Hilary was not amused.

I understand that Tyson Fury's rematch with Vladimir Klitschko is off again.  To tell you the truth, I think there are very few people who care any more.

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I used to own a shop that sold 'closed' signs.  I went out of business when I didn't have a single customer!  Have a nice weekend...

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