Weekend Jottings

There are two meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Huntingdon and Sedgefield and David has a runner at each meeting.  Buster Edwards contests the 3m3f handicap hurdle at Sedgefield at 2.55pm, whilst Major Robinson runs in the 2m handicap hurdle at Huntingdon at 3.35pm.  Buster Edwards lost his way over fences this season after a couple of promising efforts but took a step back in the right direction when fourth reverted to hurdles at Exeter last time.  He has won three times from higher marks over timber, stays well and won't mind the ground.  This is the lowest grade race he has contested and Fergus Gillard takes 5lbs off his back.  He needs to take another step forward but this looks to be a good opportunity for him and he has a decent chance.

Major Robinson, the winner of an Irish bumper has shown promise over timber and was not beaten at all far in a jumpers' bumper last time out at Kempton.  The better ground here could help and he looks to have each-way claims in an open contest.  Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

*****

There are four Premiership football matches taking place this afternoon with the obvious highlight being the derby between Manchester City and Manchester United.  United currently trail City by 14 points and with time running out, they will be keen not drop further points to their neighbours, although in all likelihood they will struggle.  There you go, if there was ever any chance of City getting beaten, it is when I am tipping them!

England slumped to another embarrassing defeat in the cricket against India yesterday losing by an innings and 25 runs, but at least they managed to take it to a third day this time.  India won the series 3-1 and the two sides will meet again in England later in the summer.  England will have to improve their batting considerable, although I am fairly confident there won't be as much in the wicket for the spinners.

The start of the Formula One season is only a few weeks away now and I am very much looking forward to it, even if Mercedes are a warm order to maintain their dominant form.  The new cars have been unveiled and the Aston Martin (formerly Racing Point) looks fantastic in British racing green.

Talking of F1, the findings of the investigation into Romain Grosjean's horror crash last season in Bahrain showed that the impact measured at 63g.  To give some context to the sheer velocity - an astronaut experiences g-forces of around 3g when launched into space!  The fact he was able to walk away from the incident is testament to the incredible strength of the cars and improved safety features.

*****

My boss said to me, "This is the third time you have been late this week.  Do you know what that means?"

I replied, "It's Wednesday?