Two Meetings, 6 Runners

       Sexy Lot runs at Ffos Las Today

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Ffos Las and Wincanton and all-weather flat fixtures from Southwell and Chelmsford City.  You are kidding yourself if you think that the ground at either turf meeting is going to be anything other than bottomless.  Earlier in the week Wincanton declared that parts of their course were under standing water, whilst Ffos Las will be about as testing as it gets.  David has six runners today split between the two jumps cards.

Maggies Mogul contests the 2m5½f  mares’ novices’ hurdle at Wincanton at 12.30pm.  She looked a really nice prospect when winning a heavy ground Irish point-to-point but has disappointed in two starts under rules in a bumper and on her hurdling debut.  She faces some promising rivals here and whilst she is better than she has shown to date, she will need to improve on recent efforts.

Fort Summer returns from an absence of 448 days in the 1m7½f novices’ hurdle at 1.35pm.  He showed promise in point-to-points and bumpers which would give him place claims, although he is entitled to improve after such a lay-off.

Eden du Houx runs in the 3m1f handicap chase at 2.10pm.  An Irish point winner and Listed bumper winner, he posted some good efforts over timber last season.  He seems to be improving with experience over fences and has his first start since wind surgery with a tongue-tie and blinkers added.  He has a nice racing weight, won’t mind the ground and could go well at a decent price.

Nordic Combined is our final runner at Wincanton where he contests the 2m4f conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle at 2.45pm.  He has run plenty of good races over timber, including when winning on heavy ground at Taunton last season.  He has always looked as though he would appreciate this trip, although he is yet to prove it conclusively.  Has the ability to get involved at his best with Fergus Gillard taking a useful 3lbs off his back.

Over at Ffos Las Red Lion Lad contests the 2m4f novices’ hurdle at 1.25pm.  An Irish point winner, he put up a good first effort over timber at Exeter in December in a race that has worked out well and he is entitled to have learned from the experience.  The longer trip looks sure to suit, he won’t mind the ground and looks to have a good chance under David Noonan.

Our other runner at Ffos Las is Sexy Lot who runs in the 2m mares’ handicap hurdle at 2.00pm.  She has been in great form this season, winning over course and distance as well as at Chepstow.  She is a lot higher in the weights now, but clearly enjoys the prevailing conditions and must be thereabouts again with winning jockey David Noonan in the saddle.

Mr Clarkson proved a bit disappointing reverting to hurdles for the first time in a while at Warwick yesterday.  He never really seemed to be all that happy and he may just have been finding the ground a bit more testing than he would like.

*****

There is an interesting local derby to look forward to in the Premiership tonight with Spurs hosting Chelsea.  There should be precious little between them with both sides level on 33 points in the table.  Ashley Farrant is a massive Tottenham fan, whilst David supports Chelsea.  I wonder if they would settle for a draw?

*****

A cowboy asked me to help round up his 58 cows the other day.  I said, “Sure, that’s 60 cows!”