Stacey at Stratford

      Barton Stacey on the Gallops

Today there are three meetings, one on the flat at Ripon and two jumps cards at Stratford and Market Rasen.  David runs Barton Stacey in the 4.50pm at Stratford.  There are only five runners in the race and with a clear round of jumping I think he will be in the shake up.  Barton Stacey ran last week in the void race at Ludlow so let's just hope we don't see a repeat!  Tom Scu has picked up some good outside rides and Witness in Court looks to have a good chance for the Donald McCain yard.  It is also good to see Conor O'Farrell and Tom Bellamy also have rides at Stratford.  I always look to see where champ AP is riding.  Today he is in action at Market Rasen and he looks to be going there with several winning chance.

Meanwhile in France, Ruby Walsh rides Long Run in the Grand Steeple Chase De Paris at Auteuil.  The French authorities say regular pilot Sam Waley-Cohen cannot ride him due to their regulations.  It is the first time Ruby has ridden the horse and he looks to have a great chance on the former Gold Cup winner.  Sam will still be in Paris as he has picked up a ride in the amateur race on a horse called Utsala.  Good luck to the Waley-Cohen team.

Lesly Graham is cycling 80 miles a day for 14 days in aid of Racing Welfare.  She is cycling from St Malo to Cannes - not a bad part of the World to be cycling!  If you would like to sponsor her then visit www.racingwelfare.co.uk for more details.

I see that Phil (The Power) Taylor has got in by the skin of his teeth to Thursdays Pemier League darts play offs in London.  He joins Michael Van Gerwen, Raymond Van Barneveld and Gary Anderson.  He is 6/4 to win the title.  The Power has not been at his best lately and this price looks a bit skinny to me.  I wonder how many Vans have been in the play offs before?!  Have a nice day.  

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