Two Runners At Stratford

There are five meetings this afternoon with four on the flat at Thirsk, Wolverhampton, Windsor and Kempton as well as a jumps card at Stratford.  The stable has a couple of runners over the sticks, Molly Oscar and Premier Dane.  Our ten year old, Premier Dane (pictured above) won nicely over hurdles on his debut for the yard last time out at Market Rasen and he now tries his luck over fences from only a 2lbs higher mark.  Tom Scudamore will ride both of our runners today.

We had a couple of places with our runners yesterday at Southwell - Shoegazer finished a creditable third despite making a couple of mistakes.  He was conceding stacks of weight to the two in front of him and still looks capable of adding to his three successes this term.  Woodlark Island finished fourth under top weight while Ladyvie wasn't on one of her going days - she has plenty of ability and will win again when the mood takes.

*****

It was an enjoyable day at the yard yesterday as we hosted around 160 guests for our annual owners' day.  We all sat down for roast beef in a beautiful marquee and even the weather was kind to us.  Everyone seemed to have a good time and the champagne was flowing freely.  Some of our guests even arrived by helicopter although they did not parachute out a la the Olympics.

*****

It is the final day of the Test match cricket against South Africa today.  Kevin Pietersen told the South Africans to bowl straight and fast - the match looks like a draw to me and our days as world number one are all over...shame, because it was good while it lasted.

*****

For some unknown reason I haven't had any phone calls from my scouse mates...I wonder why?!  Surely nothing to do with Liverpool's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of West Brom at the weekend, eh Maurice?  Of the other matches, Arsenal look like they need a striker quickly, while Spurs look like they need a couple of strikers!  I am looking forward to the Everton versus Manchester United match this evening - the match is live on Sky at 8pm.  Everton look like a big price at 7/2 as the home team - remember Everton have drew 4-4 at Old Trafford last season.