4 Newton Abbot Runners

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with a jumps card from Newton Abbot, flat fixtures from Newbury and Ayr and all-weather action from Kempton.  David has four runners today at Newton Abbot; Ben Lilly, Ya Know Yaseff, Kolisi (pictured above) and d'Jango.  Ben Lilly is the first of them as he contests the conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at 1.35pm.  Running in the colours of the David Pipe Racing Club, he has shown consistent form since switching to hurdles, finishing in the frame on six of his seven starts.  Three times a winner on soft ground, this slightly slower surface could help and he should go well, although there are only two places for betting purposes.  Fergus Gillard rides.

Ya Know Yaseff makes her debut for the stable when she runs in the 2m1f mares' novices' hurdle at 3.20pm.  The winner of an Irish point-to-point on yielding ground, she goes nicely at home.  She may benefit from a stiffer test of stamina in time but has each-way prospects under Tom Scu.

Kolisi runs in the 2m1f handicap hurdle at 3.55pm.  Following a hat-trick of wins, he has remained largely consistent since, including over course and distance.  He has a disappointing effort to overcome last time and he remains 9lbs above his last winning mark, but he is another with each-way claims.  Tom Scudamore rides.

Our final runner is d'Jango, who goes in the staying handicap chase at 4.30pm.  It is a tight little race, but he will appreciate the test of stamina and has claims with Tom Scudamore in the saddle.

*****

Manchester United were able to extend their recent good run of form with a 2-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League last night.

Premier League action returns this evening with matches between Aston Villa and Southampton and Nottingham Forest and Fulham.  I won't be getting involved, but a couple of away wins would not surprise me.

I see that Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis yesterday.  Even though his record for Grand Slam victories has already been superseded, for me, Federer is the finest tennis player I have ever seen and furthermore, he always conducted himself with good grace and was the epitome of professionalism.  It will certainly be strange watching Wimbledon without him next year.