2 Out Of 2 At Perth!
As I write this the lorry is on it's way home with our Perth raiding party and they did not dissapoint. We already know that Sinndar's Man was successful on Thursday, but Ainsi Fideles (pictured above) extended his unbeaten run over fences to five with a thrilling victory in the novices' chase. It was very much expected to be a match between our four year old and last season's Betfair Hurdle winner Splash Of Ginge on his chasing debut. That did not materialise however as the Irish challenger Howwoulduno proved the principal danger, but despite being headed two out our fellow battled back well to earn the decision on the nod. It will be fascinating to see what the handicapper does with the first two home - Ainsi Fideles already has a rating of 148, while the second went into the race on 128 and was giving 8lbs to our runner making him theoretically 28lbs 'wrong', The trainer of the second may rue not running in a handicap instead!
There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with three on the level from Newmarket, Haydock and Wolverhampton as well as a National Hunt fixture from Worcester. With Weekend Millionair now a non-runner, the stable has two runners at Worcester; Moncarno and Party Girls. Moncarno has only run the once when beaten on heavy ground at Ffos Las - hopefully this sounder surface will bring about some improvement, meanwhile Party Girls bids to follow-up her facile Newton Abbot success. She carries a 7lbs penalty for that success but is due a rise of 14lbs in the handicap so while this is harder it still represents her best chance of winning again.
On the flat there is a good looking card at Newmarket with two Group races and three Listed contests to look forward to.
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The Ryder Cup has just teed off and you can bet that I will be glued to the television for the remainder of the weekend. The match I am most looking forward to today is betweeen Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia versus Keegan and Phil. This one tees off 8.20am so at least Rory shouldn't turn up late. I have had a few bets for interests sake - McIlroy and Garcia at 10/11 and Europe to be leading after the first morning at 13/10...lovely jubbly!
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I was horrified to hear that Enner Valencia learned all about his new team West Ham by watching the film Green Street which is all about football hooliganism. I hope he doesn't think that all of us cockneys are like those depicted in the film!
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Finally, a Ryder Cup inspired thought for the day...golf and sex are about the only things you can enjoy without being any good at them!
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