Gevrey Just The Job!

What a performance from Gevrey Chambertin yesterday to win the novices' handicap chase at Newbury with a commanding front-running performance.  From a mark 18lbs lower than his best hurdle rating there was always the possibility he could produce an effort like this and granted an uncontested lead in the first-time blinkers he measured his fences much better than in previous chase starts.  Tom Scu got his fractions right from the front and 'Geoffrey' kept pulling out more to score at odds of 9/1 - let's hope that this has been something of a confidence booster and he can now build on this success and fulfill the potential that David has always known he possesses.  Meanwhile Vayland still looked to be going well when coming to grief three from home in the novices' hurdle and looks a certain future winner.

I was amused by the comments of Attheraces pundit Luke Harvey who was giving a talk at Newbury yesterday when asked about the chances of Gevrey Chambertin.  The former jockey (and I use the term jockey very loosely!) said that he "had more chance of growing a fringe!"  Poor old Luke, he is a funny chap but he doesn't know an awful lot about horses!  I know I give him a lot of stick, but I do like Luke really...honest!

Anyway, I digress.  There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with two jumps fixtures from Exeter and Towcester as well as two all-weather flat cards from Southwell and Kempton.  Looking through the Exeter card there is a £12,000 race which has attracted only three runners.  I really do feel sorry for the course when they put up good money like this and are rewarded with a poor turnout.  I guess if you are going to go racing at least you will be privileged to see A P McCoy in action.  The stable has no runners today.

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There was a good result for Liverpool last night as they overcame a potentially tricky opponent in Bournemouth 3-1.  Even though the Scousers are struggling, it just goes to illustrate the gulf between Premiership and Championship league football.  Raheem Sterling scored twice and I think that Liverpool get Arsenal in the next round and that should be an interesting game.

Meanwhile Spurs won 4-0 against Newcastle and a lot of the Geordies couldn't get into the stadium as the turnstiles were broken.  It sounds as though it might have done them a bit of a favour!

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The World Darts gets underway from the Ally Pally and for a bit of an interest I will be having a punt on Lewis at 12/1, Wade at 16/1 and Wright at 40/1.  At the likely odds it looks worth opposing the big two and will give me something to cheer over Christmas!