Weekend Jottings

There are just two meetings taking place this afternoon with action coming from Ffos Las and Sandown.  David has two runners at the Welsh track, with Herbert Park in the 2m7f handicap hurdle at 3.05pm and Rathealy in the 2m4f hurdle at 4.15pm.  Herbert Park (pictured above) made a pleasing reappearance when winning at Worcester last time on good ground with the first two well clear of the third.  He has to give weight away to all of his rivals but he still looks to hold sound claims.  There is a field of 14 for Rathealy's race so it is a tricky contest - he has dropped to an appealing mark but will need to improve on most recent efforts - Michael Heard takes a handy 5lbs off his back.

It is hard to believe that FIFA have banned England from wearing poppys on their match kit.  Now the Royal British Legion have weighed in by writing to FIFA urging them to lift the ban as the poppy has no political, religious or commercial meaning.  I don't think FIFA have a clue what they are talking about.  I applaud the decision to ignore the ban - let the players wear their poppies with pride!

Canandian teenager Lance Stroll is absolutely fantastic...he says he has earned his place in Formula 1 at the Williams Racing team...did I forget to mention that his father is billionaire businessman Lawrence Stroll?!  I wonder if that had any influence on the team bosses decision to hire him?

Let's hope that the Indian's manage to sort out their finances as it would be a shame to lose the upcoming test cricket series.  It will be a really good barometer to measure England by.  Meanwhile, on the domestic front I see that Durham have appointed Sir Ian Botham as their chairman...they must have some good pubs up there!

There are some great football matches on this afternoon.  I will be having a cheeky little acca on Arsenal at evens, West Brom at 4/5, Swansea at 5/1 and Southampton at 7/10 - if they all come in it will be a great Christmas in the Barnes household!

*****

I was planning on having a flu shot until I discovered that it was not a drink!

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