Sidi Strikes At Worcester

The stable was among the winners again with Sidi Ismael (pictured above) running out a ready victor of the staying handicap chase at Worcester yesterday afternoon under an inspired ride from Tom Scudamore.  Scu used the 'Auteuil' or 'Willie Carson, Ascot' route by grabbing the outside rail for most of the journey where the ground was clearly better (tactics he employed again successfully later in the day to record a double).  Travelling strongly into the straight, he stayed on in very good fashion to win by 3¼ lengths on his seasonal debut.  A winner for the stable three times last season, including from a 5lbs higher mark over fences, he has the option to mix and match once again this term.  We gave him a positive each-way mention yesterday along with Kingofthewest, who ran a solid seasonal reappearance when third in the 2m4f handicap hurdle, so I hope a few of you backed them.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Uttoxeter and Wetherby, a flat card from Newmarket and all-weather action from Southwell.  David has one runner today as Tango Arumba (pictured below) contests the 2m4f novices' hurdle at Uttoxeter at 1.55pm.  The winner of an Irish point-to-point and a Newton Abbot bumper, conditions should suit and she is a nice prospect for the stable.  There are some other promising types in the line-up but she looks to have decent claims with Tom Scudamore in the saddle.

MCP was among those present at the memorial service to celebrate the life of legendary jockey Lester Piggott at St Luke's Church in Chelsea.  We will bring you more on that on Monday in David's weekly blog.

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Arsenal were beaten in Europa Cup action last night, losing 2-0 to PSV Eindhoven.  The result meant that they have not automatically qualified for the last 16 of the competition despite remaining top of the group.  Manchester United beat Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 and lie second in their group, needing a result in their final match against group leaders Real Sociedad to avoid playing the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid in a play-off.

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Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd decided to break into a distillery.  Daffy turned to Elmer and said, "Is this whiskey?"
"Yes," Elmer replied, "but not as whiskey as wobbing a bank!"