Weekend Jottings

There are three jumps cards taking place this afternoon, with the action coming from Warwick, Kelso and Plumpton.  There are plenty of runners at Warwick and Kelso, although the lively ground conditions at Plumpton are probably responsible for the smaller field sizes.  There are no runners from the Pond House team today.  Meanwhile, over in Ireland there is a very good card from Leopardstown where they are hosting Guineas Trials Day.  The flat really does follow hot on the heels of the jumps with the Grand National from Aintree only taking place yesterday.

It will be interesting to see who fares best in these early exchanges on the level.  Aidan O'Brien has three runners in the 2,000 Guineas Trial, whilst his son Joseph has two.  It is a similar story n the 1,000 Guineas Trial, although you have to add Aidan's youngest son, Donnacha O'Brien into the mix as well.  He has two runners, including the favourite; Shale.  I wonder what the conversation will be like around the dinner table if the boys get the upper hand?!

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There are four Premiership matches taking place this afternoon and the pick looks to be Spurs versus Manchester United.  A bit like Liverpool and Villa yesterday, the first fixture between these sides produced a surprise result as Tottenham beat United 6-2.  United have pulled themselves together since then so a repeat is unlikely, although I reckon Spurs could still edge it at home.

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A couple had become forgetful in their old age and sought a remedy by attending special memory classes where they were taught to remember things by word association.  The husband was telling his neighbour how beneficial the classes had been.
"Who was the instructor?" asked the neighbour.
"Oh, um, what was the name now?" said the husband.  "What's that flower that smells nice and has thorns?"
"A rose?"
"That's it," said the husband triumphantly.  He turned towards the house and called: "Hey, Rose, what's the name of the guy in charge of the memory classes?"