Back At Cheltenham!

Today is packed full of action with five meetings taking place - three over the jumps at Cheltenham, Sedgefield and Southwell as well as two flat fixtures at Newmarket and Beverley.  The stable has four runners at Cheltenham this afternoon; Vieux Lion Rouge, Broadway Buffalo, Volt Face and Wetak.  The ground is currently good and has been watered, although if this fine weather continues I wouldn't be at all surprised if it rides a bit quicker than that come off-time.  Broadway Buffalo (owned by rugby players Andy Powell and Mark Cueto, pictured above) ran well when not beaten at all far in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival and will handle the prevailing conditions - Tom Bellamy takes 7lbs off his back and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go well at a fair price.  It is always a good day when there is action from Cheltenham and Newmarket so you know where I will be!

I thought that Virtuel d'Oudon ran another cracking good race at Exeter yesterday when failing by only a head to defy a penalty in the novices' hurdle.  He has won two from three since joining us with this latest effort confirming that he was indeed a good buy.  This former Irish point-to-point winner clearly stays well and should make a nice novice chaser.

I see that trainer Eve Johnson-Houghton shares my views on the race planning committee.  She cannot believe that there are only two flat fixtures taking place on Easter Bank Holiday Monday at Redcar and Yarmouth.  I'm relieved that it is not just me who thinks that there is something wrong.

*****

My man on the flat tells me to keep an eye on Mushir in the 3.30pm race at Newmarket this afternoon.  He says that the step up in trip to seven furlongs will bring about further improvement and he should go very well.

*****

Manchester City must win their Premiership clash tonight with Sunderland to keep the pressure on the leaders in the title race.  Mind you, it does look something of a formality as they are 1/7 shots!  Everton look good things to beat Crystal Palace, although they are a best priced 4/9 so we won't be getting rich on the football tonight!

You must dive or go down in the penalty box or the referee will not give a penalty.  Matt Jarvis stayed on his feet last night and the official did not give a penalty, despite it being blatantly obvious.  It's not just sour grapes either...who am I kidding?!

*****

I couldn't believe what I was seeing when I read about Britain's youngest parents.  I think it is an absolute disgrace that children of twelve and thirteen are having kids of their own.  When I was twelve I was learning all about conkers...how life has changed!

Tweet?