Ascot, Uttoxeter Runners

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Ascot and Uttoxeter as well as two all-weather flat cards from Southwell and Wolverhampton.  David has runners at Ascot and Uttoxeter today.  Drama King contests the 2m5½f maiden hurdle at Ascot.  Our seven year old has had just three runs and needs to improve on what he has done so far to figure here.  He works nicely at home but this is a big ask.  Plumpton bumper winner Eden du Houx (pictured above) bids to extend his unbeaten record to three in the closing Listed bumper.  This looks to be a really good race with plenty of quality winners in the line-up.  Eden probably needs to improve on what he achieved at Plumpton but he is a lovely prospect with plenty of improvement in him and he looks to have each-way claims under Tom Scudamore.

Over at Uttoxeter, Delface contests the 2m4f hands and heels handicap hurdle at 12.05pm.  Amateur rider Fergus Gillard is on board and claims a handy 5lbs off his back.  He has won twice with cut in the ground and ran okay at Taunton last time.  Malangen is our other runner on the card at 2.20pm.  It is a novices' handicap hurdle and he has finished in the frame several times and looks to have each-way chances again today under David Noonan.

I thought that Martabot (pictured above) ran a cracking race at Exeter yesterday afternoon to finish second in the amateur riders' handicap hurdle.  He looked all over the winner at the second last but didn't see out the trip quite as well as the favourite.  This was still a good effort and he looks capable of winning from his current mark of 100.  Incidentally, the race was won by Kieren Buckley (pictured below) who was enjoying his first winner under rules.  Kieren used to ride out at Pond House and is son of our former head lad Eddie Buckley and Sarah who looked after Dynaste, Carvill's Hill and Regal Ambition among many other good horses during her time with us.  Well done indeed, I am sure you are all very proud.

Also at Exeter, it was the last day for starter Nigel Wakley who was retiring from the position after many years.  Nigel was also a good rider back in his younger days winning races at the Cheltenham Festival (and finishing runner-up in the 1972 Gold Cup aboard Glencaraig Lady) and also the Welsh National.  He is also pictured with other starters and former jockeys Simon McNeill and Robbie Supple (older brother of our very own Gerry).  Congratulations Nigel, we hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement.

There is an interesting piece about the Grand National in today's Racing Post.  Mel Cullinan recommends backing Vieux Lion Rouge at 33/1 following his good second in the Becher over the National fences last week.  I am sure you could do plenty worse...remember Vieux Lion Rouge has completed the course in each of his six attempts over those famous obstacles.

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Apparently Alexis Sanchez had a £20,000 bet with Marcus Rojo that Mourinho would get the sack.  I often have £20,000 bets with my mates!  I tell you, they do not live in the real world.

It sounds as though there could be a big fight at the Ally Pally.  No, I am not talking about boxing, more about darts.  James Wade looked like he wanted to hit Seigo Dsada during their match on Wednesday evening.

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I once met a fox who was brilliant at football...his name was Brazil Brush!  Keep smiling...

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