Two Uttoxeter Runners

There are six meetings taking place this afternoon with flat action from Newmarket, Goodwood, Thirsk and Doncaster as well as jumps cards from Uttoxeter and Hexham.  There is also a valuable mixed meeting at Punchestown over in Ireland.  David has two runners today; Dell' Arca and Crawfords Mill.  Old favourite Dell' Arca (pictured above) contests the 3m handicap chase at 4.00pm - he was pulled up in the Midlands National at the track last time but this drop back in trip should suit.  He looks to have an each-way chance but will need to improve on his most recent starts.  Our other runner, Crawfords Mill makes her debut for the stable today in the other 3m handicap chase at 5.40pm.  She has been off for a long while and takes a big step-up in trip but is not without a chance.

The big race of the day is 2,000 Guineas from Newmarket.  It's hard to believe that the first Classic of the flat calendar is already upon us.  There are 19 runners over a mile and it looks to be a very open renewal this year.  We have friends at the yard who have been all over Magna Grecia at big odds since last winter so I wish them the best of luck, although I can see the Haggas trained Craven winner, Skardu going well at a decent price.

It is also the Kentucky Derby tonight at 11.50pm.  The winner picks up over $1.4 million and the fifth home collects almost $100,000.  They go 5/1 the field and I will be hoping for a Game Winner!

Three Star General ran another good race to finish runner-up on the flat yesterday afternoon at Chepstow.  He was never quite getting to the winner and has now finished second on his last four starts (including three over hurdles).  One of these has to fall his way sooner or later.

Many happy returns to the greatest jockey...Sir Anthony McCoy is 45 years old today.  Where does the time go?  I still remember him rocking up to Pond House during the early part of his career to school goodness knows how many horses of a morning.  Happy birthday AP...we hope it's a good one.

*****

As expected Everton beat Burnley 2-0 and it has to be said that manager Marco Silva is doing a good job with the Toffees.  A big club could certainly benefit from his expertise - I hope they have him locked into a decent contract.  Liverpool have to win at Newcastle this evening.  Kick-off is at 7.45pm and the Scousers are 4/11 chances.  Meanwhile, my beloved West Ham are 13/10 to beat Southampton and Wolves are 4/7 to beat Fulham...sounds like a cheeky treble to me!

If Judd Trump wins the world championship snooker he will become the first player to win £1 million in a season.  Let's hope that he doesn't waste it on flash cars (he already has a Ferrari and a Lamborghini!)...how times have changed since my old mate Ray Reardon's days.  I still see Ray regularly as he is president of Churston golf club where I play.

*****

What's the difference between ignorance and apathy?  I don't know and I don't care!  Have a great weekend...

Tweet