Wincanton, Ludlow Runners

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Wincanton and Ludlow while there is all-weather flat action from Southwell and Chelmsford.  David has one runner at each jumps card with Abracadbra Sivola contesting the staying handicap chase at 3.20pm and Gone Too Far in the three mile handicap chase at Ludlow at 3.35pm.  Abracadabra Sivola's successes have both won on heavy ground so he clearly appreciates a test and could improve for this trip - Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.  Gone Too Far is partnered by amateur jockey Mr Rex Dingle and his claim takes his weight down to 11-0.  He looks as though he could do with a bit of help from the handicapper.

I thought that Rathlin Rose ran a cracking good race on his first start for over 18 months when a close fourth in the competitive handicap chase at Newbury yesterday.  He is entitled to improve after such a lay-off and looks capable of winning something similar from this sort of mark - he is the eyecatcher in today's Racing Post.

One of the best things about racing is that there are some wonderful stories being told every day and yesterday it was the turn of Bill Davis who enjoyed his first winner as an owner after 27 years of trying.  I wonder if anyone had to show him where the winners' enclosure was?  Bill is 87 years old, let's hope he doesn't have to wait so long for his next winner!

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Plymouth Argyle played well last night but even so it was not enough as they put out of the FA Cup 1-0 by Liverpool.  At least they earned a few quid from such a high profile couple of matches.  Meanwhile Newcastle beat Birmingham 3-1 last night and look a much better side when Jonjo Shelvey.

What a great success for British number three tennis player Dan Evans in the Australian Open as beat seventh seed Marin Cilic.  Evans has no contract so had to buy his own shirt and shorts which cost him £30.60 - at least his winnings should now cover that!  Let's hope that he can keep his good form going.

Donald Trump is due to be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States tomorrow.  You can get 7/4 that he does not stay in power for the full four year term - he is going to upset so many people, I reckon there have been plenty worse 7/4 chances!  The trouble is, you could have to wait quite a long time to collect your money.

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Dear student loan, thank you for saving my life.  I can't think how I can ever repay you!

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