Pottsie Perfect At Ayr

The stable was back among the winners yesterday afternoon when Sizing Pottsie (pictured above) made the long trip all the way to Ayr worthwhile by landing the 2m novices' hurdle at Ayr in the manner his odds (2/7) would suggest that he should.  Making most of the running he was clear shortly after halfway and never looked to be in another danger as he sauntered home 18 lengths clear of his rivals.  A Grade 2 winning chaser, it is surprising that he had never won over timber given his ability, but he is likely to return to fences next time, with Cheltenham's November meeting a likely next stop.  Purchased from the Tattersalls sales in May, he looks an exciting prospect for the stable and will take his owners to all the big tracks.

Sizing Pottsie was the selection of Merv Woodward in our horses to follow video series, so he is off to a good start.  Yesterday we posted Fergus Gillard's interview on David's weekly blog, so take a look at that to see which horse he has nominated.  I will give you a clue...he is entered to run soon!

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Chepstow and Bangor, a flat fixture from Catterick and all-weather action from Newcastle.  David has two runners today as Eden du Houx runs at Auteuil, whils Royal Defender contests the concluding bumper at Chepstow at 4.50pm.  Although there is not a lot of form to go on, it does look a hot contest with some well-related types from powerful stables in the line-up.  Royal Defender, a son of Kings Sister (a full sister to Kings Palace) made a good impression when an easy winner of his Irish point on yielding ground and looks a good prospect going forward.  Fergus Gillard takes the ride and he should go well.

Eden du Houx runs in the 2m2f hurdle at Auteuil at 4.55pm (British time) and he will be partnered by Felix de Giles who is based in France.  Eden has run well in France this season and conditions should suit.  He has a bit to find with a couple of these on official figures, but he should go well.

The Newmarket Horses In Training Sales got underway yesterday and the recent trend continued with the market remaining very flambuoyant.  Top lot on day one was Cesarewitch winner Waterville, who will be heading to Australia after being knocked down for 410,000 guineas.  

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As predicted, West Ham were successful last night as they comfortably beat Bournemouth 2-0 at home, moving them up seven places in the table in what is a congested midfield.

There is Champions League action taking place tonight with Chelsea travelling to Salzburg, whilst Manchester City are away to Borussia Dortmund.  Celtic are home to Shakhtar Donetsk but there is nothing at stake for them after they are already mathematically out of the equation.

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