Plumpton, Taunton Runners

Well, the waiting is nearly over!  It is Cheltenham week and the runners for Tuesday have already been declared, but before then we have today's racing to deal with.  There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Stratford, Plumpton and Taunton as well as an all-weather flat card from Wolverhampton.  David has four runners today; two at Plumpton and two at Taunton.

Astigar is the first of our runners today when he contests the 2m4½f novices' hurdle at Plumpton at 1.45pm.  He produced excellent efforts when a close second to a couple of very useful types on his first two starts but disappointed last time.  That was too bad to be true and this looks to be a good opportunity to get back on track.  The step-up in trip should suit and he looks to have a decent chance under Tom Scudamore.  He looks to have Smurphy Enki to beat but he is also coming off a disappointing effort.

Our next runner at Plumpton is Mr Clarkson who runs in the 3m1f handicap hurdle at 2.47pm.  He has been a little disappointing this season, but was unlucky not to win over fences at Taunton four starts ago when he unseated at the penultimate obstacle.  That was from a mark 4lbs higher than today, so he is still clearly capable of being competitive.  He ran a lot better last time when fifth at Doncaster and he could outrun his odds with Fergus Gillard taking 5lbs off his back.  Sexy Lot is a non-runner at Plumpton.

Over at our local track, Taunton, Gabrielle du Seuil contests the 2m3f handicap hurdle at 2.40pm.  Having shown promise in a couple of starts in France, she has disappointed in three outings over hurdles in Britain.  She would need to improve on what she has shown so far to figure, but she has dropped considerably in the weights and this slightly better surface could help.  David Noonan is in the saddle.

Great Tempo (pictured above) is our final runner when he takes in the 3m handicap hurdle at 4.10pm for the David Pipe Racing Club.  A winner over fences at the track on similar ground last season from a 4lbs higher mark, he has claims on that basis, although he is a bit in and out and would need to improve on his most recent efforts to figure here.  Sean Houlihan is in the saddle and claims 3lbs.

Poker Play ran a decent enough race yesterday afternoon to finish fourth in the stayers' handicap hurdle at Warwick.  He looked to be struggling from quite a way out but plugged on in the closing stages to earn a bit of prize money.

Don't forget - if you are an owner or a member of our racing club, it is the last call for our Cheltenham Festival competition.  Entries need to be received by 4pm today...good luck!

*****

How many car mechanics does it take to change a lightbulb?
Six...one to scratch his head, one to say, "we can't look at it 'till Thursday", and four to add up the bill!