Ocean at Sandown

    Ocean Heights runs at Haydock Today

We have our first runner of the week today, Ocean Heights runs on the flat at Sandown this evening.  He runs in the opening contest on the card, the 5.45pm apprentice stakes over 1m2f and Jack Dace rides.  He won two races in May over 1m4f and 1m2f and ran well to be placed twice afterwards also.  He was disappointing at Kempton last time out but the wide draw and losing two front shoes were valid excuses.  He ran well on this track and over this trip on the same card twelve months ago off a higher mark and I would like to think he has a good chance in this.  The handicapper has given him a bit of help and our good young apprentice claims his valuable five pounds.  He is 100/30 third best in the betting and fingers crossed he can give a good account.

There are five flat meetings today which include Ascot, Thirsk, York, Chepstow and Sandown and there is one jumps meeting at Uttoxeter.  In Ireland, they have a flat card at Cork and race over jumps at Kilbeggan.  

Last night was of course the first Racing League fixture and while I didn't actually watch any of the action I see that our young jockey, Jack Dace rode a winner on the card.  Richard Kingscote has taken the early lead in the jockeys standings with 48 points from Billy Loughnane in second who has 44.  London and the South are the leading team on 158 points and they are just two ahead of Scotland on 156 but there is a long way to go.

The England cricketers have taken control of the fourth Test at Old Trafford with a good second day yesterday.  India were all out for 358 while England made a good start with their batting and finished the day on 225-2.  The opening batters put on a good stand with Crawley making 84 and Duckett 94.  Hopefully England can have another good day at the crease and put more pressure on the visitors.   

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Happy Friday!