Duc No Fool!

The stable was amongst the winners again when Duc de Beauchene landed the 2m6½f handicap chase at Newbury yesterday to give us an April Fool's Day success.  Given a patient ride by Tom Scudamore, he delivered a steady challenge in the straight and leading at the last, he just held on in a bobbing finish.  This was a good performance from our nine year old on ground that would have been plenty quick enough for him.  He really shouldn't go up to much in the weights for this narrow victory, so hopefully he can go in again if David can find some suitable ground for him.

Grangeclare Glory was also far from disgraced, finishing a close fourth in the concluding three mile handicap hurdle, proving that he gets this trip on decent ground.

There is a busy day ahead of us with no less than five meetings taking place on these shores this afternoon.  There are jumps cards from Newbury, Chepstow and Ayr as well as all-weather flat fixtures from Lingfield and Wolverhampton.  David has two runners, both of which come in the Scottish National at Ayr at 3.35pm.  Via Dolorosa and El Paso Wood, both in the ownership of Judith Wilson take their chance.  They enjoyed a 1-2 at Wincanton earlier in the week, it would be incredible if we could repeat the dose!

Via Dolorosa has been in rude health of late, scoring at Southwell and Fakenham in facile style.  Obviously, this is much tougher and he is higher in the weights now and the longer trip is an unknown, but he couldn't be in better form and should give Tom Scudamore an exciting ride.

El Paso Wood ran a cracker when fourth in the Midlands National last time out, whilst he has already landed the Somerset National at Wincanton this season.  The better ground should suit him well, he only has 10-6 on his back less Philip Armson's 7lbs claim and it would be no surprise to see him run a big race.

*****

After a break, the Premiership is back today with seven matches taking place.  Liverpool continue their pursuit of Manchester City at the top of the table.  The reds face Watford, whilst City travel to Burnley.  Both sides should maintain their relentless pace at the top.

Neil Robertson managed to get the better of Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-9 in a classic encounter for their Cazoo Tour Championship semi-final last night.  The Aussie came from 4-1 and 9-8 down in a match that produced seven century breaks.  Robertson will now try to defend his title when he plays the winner of today's semi final between Luca Brecel and John Higgins on Sunday.

*****

Today I gave all of my dead batteries away.  They were free of charge.