Salisbury, Stratford Runners

Aside from the obvious sporting highlight of England versus Italy in the final of the Euro's this evening, there are race fixtures from Salisbury, Stratford and Perth.  After a few days without National Hunt action, it is great to be back with a couple of jumps fixtures.  David has two runners today, a couple of stable debutants; Oneonechop who runs at Stratford over hurdles and Mr Tambourine Man on the level at Salisbury.  Oneonechop (pictured above) makes his debut for the stable and over jumps in the juvenile hurdle at 2.03pm.  The winner of six races at up to a mile on the flat in France, he has a touch of class and has schooled very well at home.  He has to prove that he will stay this trip but the sharp nature of the track and prevailing good ground should help.  Looks to have a good chance with Tom Scudamore aboard.

Mr Tambourine Man runs in the 7f novices' contest at Salisbury at 3pm.  A useful winner over hurdles in Ireland last season, this will be only his second outing on the flat (and his first in 620 days).  He goes nicely at home but there is not much form to go on here, although it would probably take a good performance to land this conceding weight to all of his rivals.  Liam Keniry is in the saddle.

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Of course, (almost!) everyone will have their eyes glued to the football this evening as England play Italy at Wembley in their first major tournament final since the 1966 World Cup.  They have done really well to get there, possibly aided by a favourable draw and a little luck along the way, but you always need a bit of luck in whatever you are doing.  England were only workmanlike against Denmark in the semi's and they will certainly have to improve to beat Italy tonight.  Let's hope they can do it!  I reckon there will be a few sore heads in the morning and I have heard some folk demanding a Bank Holiday if England prevail...I hope David has heard as much!

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Which band was better than The Cure?  Prevention!