Bash at Lingfield

       Bashful Boy runs at Lingfield Today

There are two jumps meetings today at Newbury and Musselburgh and while we don't have any runners at these meetings, we do have Bashful Boy running on the flat at Lingfield.  He runs in the opening staying apprentice handicap at 2.12pm and Jack Dace rides.  There are only seven runners but it is a competitive looking race and we are about 15/2 in the betting.  He has not won for a while but is admirably consistent and really deserves to get another victory to his name.  We have tried various things to try and get that win by riding him differently and while I am not quite sure what the tactics will be today hopefully we may find the winning formula!  He is a character and is probably nearing the end of his racing career so it would be great for one more win!  The handicapper has given him a chance and with a bit of luck I hope we have a good each way chance in this.

There is good jumps action at both of today's National Hunt fixtures while the flat action continues into the evening at Wolverhampton with a big 'Friday Night Live' fixture with plenty of prize money up for grabs.  In Ireland they have one flat fixture at Dundalk this evening.

Yesterday, October Hill ran well to be second at Ludlow.  She made the running and was looking around a bit in front but quickened things up turning for home and I thought she had them all beaten but then one just quickened up past her.  She did nothing wrong and galloped all the way to the line so you cannot knock her run.  It was another solid effort and she probably would just appreciate a little step up in trip. She liked the ground and so will be running again while it remains good or just on the softer side.  There are still some shares available in her and I think she is great value and great fun if you want to get involved.  She has a good attitude, is very consistent and can run often so lots of days out.  While she has not won for us yet in five starts, she has picked up nearly £8,000 in prize money and so is paying for herself along the way and she will be winning soon - get in touch for more details!

I see that Constitution Hill is back in the headline again as he is set to run on the flat at Kempton next Wednesday in a novice event.  Oisin Murphy partnered the gelding last time but he will not be able to ride following a whip suspension so Ryan Moore will be taking over in the saddle.  Betting has already been introduced for this race for which he is the short priced favourite and Nicky Henderson said he plans to run.  They would like to get him a handicap mark so open up all the opportunities for him and this will be another stepping stone towards this.  I am sure Kempton racecourse will be hoping his appearance will boost crowd numbers for the day with people wanting to come and see this incredible horse.

Both Nottingham Forrest and Aston Villa are through to the next round of the Europa League with Villa winning comfortably at home and Forrest coming out on top in a penalty shoot out.  Crystal Palace are also through after winning 2-1 away last night, so a good night for the Premiership teams in Europe.  Tonight there is one match at 8pm, Manchester United travel away to Bournemouth.

I swallowed a bunch of synonyms today.

I got the thesaurus throat I've ever had!

Have a great Friday!