Ascot, Haydock Runners

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with National Hunt action from Ascot, Haydock and Taunton and an all-weather flat card from Lingfield.  David has two runners at Ascot; Unanimité and What A Moment, while Shotavodka is the Pond House representative at Haydock.  Unanimité runs in the Holloways Hurdle - an ultra competitive handicap and our charge is a 14/1 chance on the early odds.  He has a chance on the best of his form although he looks likely to need a bit of luck in running as he will need to navigate a path through the horses.  David has a good record in the race having won it three years in a row with the great Lough Derg (pictured above) in 2008 and 2009 and Mamlook in 2010.  Let's hope he can repeat the dose today.  Rock The Kasbah looks to be the one to beat.

Our other runner at Ascot, What A Moment runs in the 4.10pm race which is a ten runner novices' hurdle.  Our Towcester bumper winner has shown decent form since switching to hurdles, including when runner-up last time out and he looks to hold sound claims.

Over at Haydock Shotavodka contests a 2m7f handicap hurdle and he looks to have the improving Baywing to beat from the Nicky Richards stable.  The going at both tracks is going to be heavy.

The big race of the day is the 3.00pm at Ascot and Champion Chase favourite Un de Sceaux takes on the peoples' horse Sire de Grugy in the Clarence House Chase.  Sire de Grugy is actually rated 1lb higher according to official figures so there should be precious little between them, although you cannot help but feel that we haven't seen what Un de Sceaux is truly capable of yet and could still rate significantly better.

Due to my diabetes I have to go into hospital every now and then and have a laser procedure on my eyes.  I have to go in this afternoon - maybe it will help me pick a few winners?!

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There is some great football action to look forward to today and my beloved West Ham take on Manchester City at 5.30pm.  It is being covered by Sky Sports so you know exactly where I will be!  The Hammers are a big price at 4/1 and I could be tempted into having a sentimental wager, something you should never do!

South Africa made a big score in the cricket Test match as they reached 329-5.  Cook scored a century, the only trouble was that it was the South African opener rather than the England skipper!  The pitch looks okay and it would appear that England's best chance is a draw...at least they have already won the series!

I see that promoter Barry Hearn is offering boxer Amir Khan a 60/40 split of the purse to fight Kell Brook at Wembley Stadium on 4th June.  There is no way that Khan's advisors will go for that if they have any sense - they should avoid Brook at all costs as he will knock Khan out.

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What is worse than raining cats and dogs?  Hailing taxis!  Have a nice weekend...

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