Weekend Jottings

There are just two jumps cards taking place this afternoon with the action coming from Huntingdon and Kelso.  David has two runners at Huntingdon; River Dun and The Draconian.  River Dun has her first start for the stable in the conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at 12.25pm.  She has next to no weight to carry and has bits and pieces of form that would give her a chance from a mark of 88, although she would need to improve on most recent efforts.  The Draconian contests the novices' hurdle at 12.55pm and would need to improve on what he has shown so far to figure.  Michael Heard takes the ride aboard both of our runners this afternoon.

Stable jockey Tom Scudamore has made the long trip all the way to Kelso for a couple of outside rides.  Let's hope he is lucky, otherwise it is going to be a very long journey home, especially if there is still any snow about.

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It looks as though there is going to be a bidding war for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.  They have already turned down three bids of £72 million, £90 million and £118 million, all from Barcelona.  Coutinho has confirmed his interest in joining the Spanish team and as you know, money talks in this league.  I just hope that none of the television companies pull out from sponsoring the matches or it could mark the end of these big money transfers.

I see Brighton's FA Cup clash with Crystal Palace will be the first competitive match in England to use VAR technology.  That has to be a good thing - I saw a ball that went over the line in the week but the referee failed to give the goal.  You could clearly see it on the replay so anything that helps the referee make the right decision has to be considered a good thing.

There are two great local derby's taking place today with Liverpool versus Everton at 2.15pm and Manchester United taking on Manchester City.  I will be having a cheeky little double on Liverpool at 1/3 and Manchester City at 22/19 (I know, where do they get their prices from?!).  That will give me an interest for an exciting afternoon in front of the television - Mrs Barnes will be delighted!

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I tried to watch the Origami World Championships today.  Unfortunately it was only available on paper view!  Keep smiling...

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