Leagues Ahead At Taunton!

We had another winner at Taunton yesterday afternoon as Arab League made the most of a good piece of placing by David to land the novices' hurdle with the minimum of fuss.  Despite carrying a hefty penalty for his three previous successes, this was largely offset by young Frank Hayes' 10lbs claim.  Frank was winning his second race over timber, on the same course and horse as his first - he clearly gets on well with Arab League who continues to prosper since joining Pond House.  Winning owner Stuart Mercer (the one with the illuminous ties) was interviewed afterwards and said "I have been with the Pipe's for 20 years...you don't get that for murder!"

We had another winner at Taunton yesterday afternoon as Arab League made the most of a good piece of placing by David to land the novices' hurdle with the minimum of fuss.  Despite carrying a hefty penalty for his three previous successes, this was largely offset by young Frank Hayes' 10lbs claim.  Frank was winning his second race over timber, on the same course and horse as his first - he clearly gets on well with Arab League who continues to prosper since joining Pond House.  Winning owner Stuart Mercer (the one with the illuminous ties) was interviewed afterwards and said "I have been with the Pipe's for 20 years...you don't get that for murder!"

Dukes Art ran well to be a fast finishing second in the handicap hurdle and he looks like a winner waiting to happen, while On Khee was squeezed for room on the bend and slipped up.  It did look to be a nasty incident, but fortunately Tom and the horse both got up - let's hope it hasn't dented her confidence.  I was very surprised to hear that despite a stewards' enquiry no action was taken.

The stable has three runners this afternoon at Ffos Las - Roi de Rose, Decoy and Weekend Millionair.  Roi de Rose finished runner-up at the course a couple of weeks ago, while Decoy had some good form to his name on good ground earlier in the season, namely when scoring at Cheltenham's Open Meeting.  Weekend Millionair has his second start for the stable following a promising first effort at Taunton.

Weekend Millionair is one of three runners for the stable this afternoon at Ffos Las
(photograph courtesy of Bill Selwyn) 

*****

Over on the flat at Kempton, I thought that the Ralph Beckett trained colt Niceofyoutotellme looked like a certain future winner in the maiden.  He finished a good runner-up to Splendid Flight, the pair of them drawing ten lengths clear of Dynastic, who in turn has some fair form in the book.

I hope that a few of you heeded my advice earlier in the week and had a little bit on Cocozza in this Saturday's Lincoln at Doncaster.  He is now as short as 8/1 with some firms  after sustained support - let's just hope that he wins!