Best Defence!

We have one runner this afternoon at Fontwell, Bathwick Man in the competitive 2m21/2f handicap hurdle.  He performed creditably in the valuable Summer handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot last time, but even so, it seems a little harsh that he was left on the same mark of 120.  Consequently he carries top-weight of 11-10 and will be partnered by Tom Scudamore.

Fontwell runner Bathwick Man after his Newton Abbot
success on his penultimate start 

We have one runner this afternoon at Fontwell, Bathwick Man in the competitive 2m21/2f handicap hurdle.  He performed creditably in the valuable Summer handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot last time, but even so, it seems a little harsh that he was left on the same mark of 120.  Consequently he carries top-weight of 11-10 and will be partnered by Tom Scudamore.

What an incredible few days we have been having - after a misty start we have enjoyed sunny afternoon's and temperatures in the mid-twenties...it's just a shame it didn't start earlier!  Looking at it now, you wouldn't believe that the forecasters are predicting snow later in the month!  While I was on the gallops I was able to photograph a few that have entries coming up.  Laustra Bad could well go to Newton Abbot next Friday and he was seen working in company with Big Occasion, who was left in the Cesarewitch (which takes place on Saturday week) at the latest forfeit stage.  I also managed to catch ex-flat performer Arab League who was just touched off at Plumpton on his hurdling debut - he will bid to go one better in a novices' hurdle at Fontwell tomorrow under Tom Scudamore.

  
Above left: Laustra Bad and Big Occasion, and right: Arab League on the Pond House gallops

*****

If you are ever in a spot of bother and need someone to represent you, look no futher than trainer John Best.  Jockey Kieron Fox appealed against his four day ban for weighing-in a pound light and speaking after the hearing, Fox said "I didn't say a word and all credit must go to Mr Best, who did everything for me".  I did think at the time that it was a little harsh handing out a four day suspension for weighing in a pound light.  Mr Best even put up the £250 deposit - what a good guy he must be to work for.

There seems to be quite a few jockeys in trouble at the moment - Jack Mitchell has just received a six month ban for testing positive for a metabolite of cocaine.  He says that it will never happen again and personally I think that he needs help rather than a six month suspension.  Franny Norton was also on the end of a lengthy ban, getting forty days for failing a breath test...there certainly are some severe sentences being dished out at the moment.

*****

I thought that A P McCoy gave Mush Mir a great ride to score at Bangor yesterday.  The 1/3 favourite looked to be in some considerable trouble coming to the second last (and I'm sure that he would have traded at some fancy odds in running) but McCoy never gave up and in the end his perseverance was rewarded with a six length success.  The four year old did not look very keen and looks to be one to oppose under a penalty - those punters who weighed in at odds-on owe A P a drink.