Ascot, Ffos Las Runners

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps fixtures from Ascot, Haydock and Ffos Las as well as an all-weather flat card from Newcastle.  David runs Alternatif in the 3.20pm race at Ascot, a three mile handicap chase.  He has finished fourth on his last couple of starts and is back below his last winning mark, the ground will suit and he appears to hold leading claims under stable jockey Tom Scudamore.  Over at Ffos Las David runs Mango Cap (pictured above) in the 2.55pm race, a 2m6f handicap hurdle.  He won at Perth over three miles on his penultimate start and is only 4lbs higher today, less conditional jockey David Noonan's 3lbs claim - he also looks to have a sound chance.

There was some good news from the controller of sports productions Mark Demuth yesterday as he said he has no intention of reining in loud-mouthed orange presenter Matt Chapman in his new role on ITV.  He says there is no point in hiring someone and then telling them to be a different person.  I applaud the decision - Matt may not be everyone's cup of tea but he asks the questions that some others are too scared to ask and certainly provides plenty of talking points.  Just think how much money ITV will be saving in the make-up department!

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The newspapers all seem to be having a go at Wayne Rooney.  The problem is that he was told to go to bed by England manager Gareth Southgate who could strip Rooney of his captaincy.  He might need to find someoone else to say heads or tails...oh dear, what will he do?

I see that MK Dons have approached Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard to become their manager after he confirmed that he would be leaving LA Galaxy.  I would have thought that Gerrard would still be more than good enough to play for them too.

George Groves defends his WBA International title against German based Kazakh Eduard Gutknecht tonight at the Wembley Arena.  Groves should have far too much class for his opponent and should win tonight without too much trouble.

India are building up a sizeable first innings lead against England in the second test match.  Let's hope the pitch does not help their spinners when it is finally our turn to bat.

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I have a great marriage.  Me and Mrs Barnes are equal partners...I'm the silent one!  Have a nice day...

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