Vision at Exeter

It is great to be back racing at Exeter today after they lost their first meeting due to the ground being too firm.  I imagine the ground will be quick enough but they have done their best with the weather as it is and the feature race is the Haldon Gold Cup at 2.25pm.  JPR One is the defending champion but Kalif Du Berlais is the favourite for Harry Cobden and the Nicholls team.  We have one runner at Exeter, Vision De Maine who runs in the 3.35pm handicap chase over three miles and Jack Tudor rides.  This is his seasonal reappearance and he will like the ground.  It is a competitive race but I think he has scope for improvement off his mark of 109 and he won his first two chases of last season and I hope fresh is best!  He didn't run badly in his races after this but has benefited from another summer at grass as he is a lovely big horse who is still only six.  I hope he has a good each way chance and can progress again as the season goes on.

The Haldon Gold Cup will be shown like on ITV Racing as will a race from Hexham this afternoon, the first time a race from there has been shown live on terrestrial tv since 1982!  There is also jumps racing at Fontwell today while the flat action comes from Newcastle on the all-weather and from Dundalk in Ireland.

Yesterday, I was disappointed with Thanksforthehelp who finished unplaced at Newbury.  He travelled strongly and jumped well throughout behind the leaders who were the actual winner and runner up in the race but we weakened approaching two out.  There are no obvious excuses other than the fact perhaps he is just better over a trip short of three miles and he simply did not stay.  He has won over three miles a couple of years ago but his last win was over 2m3f at Punchestown.  We will see if anything comes to light in the coming days but he is better than what he showed yesterday so don't write him off yet!

Last night there were wins in the European football for Aston Villa and Crystal Palace while Nottingham Forrest drew 0-0 at home.  Tonight there is just one Championship game, Bristol City are away to Watford.  Meanwhile, at the golf in Abu Dhabi, Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry have started well while Rory McIlroy has just started out on his second round having finished yesterday 4 under, five shots off the lead.

Called my boss this morning and asked if I could sleep in a bit today.  He said, "keep dreaming!.  You know he is not as bad as some people say!

Happy Friday!