Three Taunton Runners

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Taunton and Hereford while there are a couple of all-weather flat fixtures from Kempton and Newcastle.  David has three runners at Taunton today; Stay Out Of Court, Tobacco Road and Carqalin.  Stay Out Of Court runs in the three mile maiden hurdle at 1.05pm - he was second on heavy ground at Ffos Las last time, while he was also runner-up in an Irish point-to-point so he should stay this trip.  A similar level of form to his last start will give him every chance under Tom Scudamore.  Tobacco Road was unseated last time but has some decent placed form including when runner-up at Towcester - a repeat of that would see him go close.  Carqalin has shown flashes of ability although he looks as though he could still do with some help from the handicapper whose initial assessment was too high.

What about the Jockey Club selling Kempton racecourse to be developed into a housing estate?  It will be a massive loss to the racing industry although it looks like they need the money.  3,000 homes are going to be built where the track stands - I can't imagine the locals are going to be very happy.  Would you want 3,000 new homes put up next door to you...I know I wouldn't!  Let's hope that the Jockey Club know what they are doing and are going to plough the cash back into the sport.

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I see that it is former England football skipper Brian Robson 60th birthday today.  When I used to go racing near Manchester I would see Bryan on the odd night out.  He was certainly better at drinking that I was!  There was a particular night at the Picadilly Hotel but that is another story.  Many happy returns Bryan.  Meanwhile, Manchester United won 2-0 against Hull in the League Cup last night and look like they are on course for a place in the final.  Tonight's game is between Southampton and Liverpool and I reckon the 5/2 about the Saints looks fair enough to me.

Bournemouth have inquired about taking John Terry on loan from Chelsea.  I would love to have John Terry in the back three for West Ham - the players would learn plenty from him.  This would be a stellar move from Bournemouth if they could pull it off.

How can the tennis authorities allow Maria Sharapova to compete again?  Her ban will be up on 26th April and she could be allowed to play in the Porsche Grand Prix (which starts on 24th April).  Did I mention that she is sponsored by Porsche?

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The car of the year, as voted for by readers of Women's Own magazine is...a blue one!  Have a nice day...