Weekend Jottings

There are three meetings taking place on these shores today with jumps cards from Cartmel and Uttoxeter and a flat fixture from Windsor.  It is incredible to think that Cartmel can go ahead without any problems having been abandoned just 48 hours ago due to torrential rain.  For all that the meetings over here are competitive, the pick of the action comes from Ireland where the Curragh hosts a flat card that features a Group 1 and two Group 2 races.

The big race of the day is the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at 3.40pm and the likely favourite is talking horse Santa Barbara.  Winner of just a maiden last season, she has proven expensive to follow as she was beaten favourite for both the English 1,000 Guineas and Oaks.  She was beaten little over a length in the Guineas but was well beaten into fifth in the Oaks.  Perhaps this intermediate trip is the answer, although she faces a tough task against proven performers at this level and the chances of Cayenne Pepper are not to be sneezed at...sorry, couldn't resist!

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The football continues tonight and the match between Belgium and Portugal promises to be a cracker with the winners proceeding to the quarter-finals.  Belgium will be slight favourites as the number one ranked side in the world according to FIFA rankings (curious considering they have never won a major title), but with a player of the calibre of Christiano Ronaldo on the opposing side, anything is possible.  It should be a thriller but looks like one to watch and enjoy rather than lose money on!

The Styrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Austria takes place this afternoon and the high risk of showers makes this an unpredictable affair which can only add to the appeal.  Both title contenders Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are excellent in the wet conditions, but the threat of rain does make the chance of an unexpected winner more likely.

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Patient: Doctor, Doctor, I keep thinking I'm a bell.
Doctor: If the feeling persists, give me a ring!