Winning River

     River Runs Free Winner at Lingfield

It was great to have a winner at Linfield yesterday with River Run Free winning on chasing and handicap debut under Jack Tudor.  He hadn't shown much over hurdles, including over 2m4f but he did finish second to Final Demand, who his favourite for the first race at Leopardstown today in an Irish point to point so we knew there was ability there somewhere.  The first time tongue strap really seemed to help and he jumped very well, he is a big horse but very athletic and he put in a polished display.  It came down to a duel from the last fences and he knuckled down well in the finish under a strong ride from Jack showing a good attitude.  He was only winning this race off a mark of 75 so I hope there is plenty of scope to progress and he he sure to benefit from three miles in time as well.

Lady Balko was never really travelling and Jack looked after her and pulled her up when her chance was gone.  We of course know this run is too bad to be true so we will freshen her up and hopefully the handicapper will give her some help as well.  Missy Mole took a step back in the right direction and finished sixth.  She raced a little bit on and off the bridle during the race but was staying on without ever getting involved in the business end of the race.  We may have to step her back up in trip next time.

Today we move onto Sandown and we have one runner, Eden Du Houx.  He runs in the 3.42pm handicap chase over three miles and Jack Tudor rides.  He has been very lightly race in recent times but didn't run too badly at Chepstow last time over 2m3f, staying on best at the finish.  He has had wind surgery since then and he has run well at the track before.  The three mile trip is the only question mark, his best runs have been over shorter but he gives the impression that he will stay and if he does I hope he will be involved in the finished.  He is about 12/1 in the betting.

There is some good racing action on both sides of the Irish sea today at Sandown, Musselburgh and Wetherby over jumps here and in Ireland they are on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.  There are two all-weather meetings at Newcastle and Wolverhampton.  Willie Mullins looks set to have a bumper day at Leopardstown and Galopin Des Champs is the star attraction, amongst many stars in the Irish Gold Cup at 3.30pm.

Wales were thrashed by France in Paris in their first Six Nations rugby match last night, losing 43-0.  Today, Scotland play Italy at 2.15pm while I am looking forward to watching Ireland v England is at 4.45pm.  

There are six Premier League matches today with the early kick off being Nottingham Forrest against Brighton at 12.30pm.  The tea time fixture is a Birmingham derby with Wolves at home to Aston Villa at 5.30pm.

It is amazing how music can transport you to another place.

For example, this coffee shop is playing Justin Bieber, so I'm going to another restaurant!

Have a good Saturday and enjoy all the sporting action.