Busy Day - 6 Runners

     Kingofthewest runs at Ffos Las Today

It is a busy day for the yard with three runners at Ffos Las and three runners at Taunton.  Fergus Gillard heads to the South Wales course to ride all three of our runners there and the first of these is Doyen La Lutte in the mares handicap hurdle at 1.35pm.  She was a good second at Wincanton on her penultimate start but was not at her best at Southwell last time.  We try first time blinkers this afternoon and if she repeats her Wincanton run she looks to have a good each way chance at about 9/1.  Kingofthewest is our second runner on the card in the 2.45pm handicap hurdle.  He is already a winner twice this season and has finished second and is returned to calmer waters this afternoon after he tackled Graded company at Sandown last time.  He is a lovely big chasing type for next season but I think there is scope for improvement of his current handicap rating of 118 and he should run well today.

Abaya Du Mathan completes our runners at Ffos Las and runs in the 2m4f handicap chase at 4.25pm.  He ran his best race for the yard since coming over from France last week at Wincanton and a repeat of that run should see him run well in this.  He is in effectively, five pounds well in today with the handicapper having him raised him for his last run but that has not taken affect as yet.  The track will suit and this multiple French winner looks to have a good chance.

At Taunton, Kolisi is a short priced favourite in the opening contest on the card at 1.27pm with Tom Scu on board.  Our four year old scored comfortably at Hereford on handicap debut on Sunday and effectively despite a penalty races from only one pound higher this afternoon as he raced from out of the weights last time.  As long as the race has not come soon, he looks to have a very good chance of getting his second win in a week.

Kotki runs in the three mile handicap hurdle at 2.35pm with Philip Armson in the saddle.  He is making only his third start for the yard and for the David Pipe Racing Club.  He ran well at Huntingdon on debut but then did not enjoy his chasing experience at Ffos Las last time out.  He has had a little break since then and is in good form at home.  On his French form you would hope he has a good chance in today's race.

Our final runner of the day at Taunton is Red Happy in the 4.20pm handicap chase.  He beat stablemate Abaya Du Mathan when winning at Wincanton last week and runs with a penalty in this race.  While the trip maybe a little on the short side today, he really seems to have appreciated the better going last time and has come out of that race well.  Fingers crossed a repeat performance should not see him too far away.

It is of course day one of the Aintree Grand National meeting today and a lot of eyes will be on Liverpool.  There is some cracking action to look forward to and the day opens up with four Grade 1 races and we have the opening race over the big fences,  the Foxhunters for the amateur riders.  I fancy Cousin Pascal in the this to repeat his win of twelve months ago with same jockey James King in the saddle.

Alongside the meetings already mentioned, there is also flat action at Chelmsford while in Ireland they have jumping at Limerick and flat racing from Gowran Park.  Plenty for us all to watch and keep us entertained this afternoon!  David and Leanne are up at Aintree ahead of sales after racing tonight.  There looks to be some lovely future talent going under the hammer so if you have any interest in being involved, please do get in touch.

Why does it take pirates a long time to learn the alphabet?  Because they spend a long time at C!  Have a good day!