Flammarion First At Abbot

David was on the mark at Newton Abbot yesterday courtesy of the novices' hurdle success of Flammarion.  Purchased from the Doncaster sales in May, he showed improved form to finish runner-up on the level at Ffos Las on his debut for the Pond House team and this was an even better start to his hurdling career.  Jumping well in the main, he made smooth progress from the rear of the field entering the home turn and taking control between the last two, he quickly put the race to bed on the flat under a well-timed ride from Tom Scudamore.  I was especially pleased for his enthusiastic owners, The Willpower Partnership, who were on hand to great their winner.  Our other runner, Mr Tambourine Man also ran well to finish a close second in the 2m5½f handicap hurdle, again looking as though he would stay further still.  His turn does not look far away.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with a flat card from Ayr, and all-weather meeting from Wolverhampton and a couple of jumps fixtures from Worcester and Sedgefield.  There are no runners from the Pond House team today.

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There are a couple of fascinating Champions League matches to look forward to tonight as Manchester City travel to play Paris St Germain tonight.  Lionel Messi could be in action against former boss, Pep Guardiola's team who are fresh off of beating Chelsea at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also on the road as they take on Porto and they will need to play better than they did on Saturday when only drawing with Brentford on Saturday.  Both English sides are currently topping their groups having won their only games to date.

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A New York lawyer representing a wealthy art collector called his client and said to him, “Paul, I have some good news and I have some bad news.”

The art collector replied, “I’ve had an awful day; let’s hear the good news first.”

The lawyer said, “Well, I met with your wife today, and she informed me that she invested $5,000 in two pictures that she thinks will bring a minimum of $15-20 million. I think she could be right.”

Paul replied enthusiastically, “Well done! My wife is a brilliant businesswoman! You’ve just made my day. Now I know I can handle the bad news. What is it?”

The lawyer replied, “The pictures are of you with your secretary.”