Max Makes Winning Debut

Max do Brazil (pictured above) put in a good round of jumping on his chase debut yesterday to make the long journey to Fakenham worthwhile.  He certainly jumped better than his rivals and looked to be enjoying the challenge and always looked the mos likely winner.  He was giving 13lbs and upwards to the rest of the field and hopefully he could progress from this and win further races.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with the action all coming on the flat from Thirsk, Brighton, Windsor and Wolverhampton.  David has one runner this evening as Ballard Down makes his debut for the stable at Windsor at 8pm.  It is a one mile handicap and our charge has shown good form, winning four times in the past, including last time out when David picked him up from a claimer at Wolverhampton.  Apprentice jockey Finley Marsh is in the saddle and takes a handy 3lbs off his back and he could have each-way claims at odds of around 12/1.

There was some quick thinking from course commentator and friend of Pond House, Mike Vince at Nottingham yesterday.  He reminded racegoers to watch their bets as there were two fairies contesting the 5.05pm race.  Indeed Fairy Stories beat Fairy Fast for a nice exacta...well done Mike!

I see that it is Phil Smith's 70th birthday today.  The former head of handicapping stayed at Pond House many years ago with some of the finest minds that Martin could muster ready to take him on.  In fairness to Phil, he never ducked a question.  When he finally went to bed he was greeted by a blow-up doll.  I never did ask Martin why he had an inflatable doll, maybe that's another story?!

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There was one of the biggest sporting upsets in history over the weekend as Andy Ruit beat Anthony Joshua.  The Mexican didn't just beat Joshua, he absolutely murdered him.  In the build-up to the fight, he looked short and over weight.  Joshua didn't look in the slightest bit bothered...I remember when I lost at table tennis I would want to floor my opponent.  What would Clay, Foreman or even Lennox Lewis have done against either opponent?  They would probably have beaten them both on the same night.

England are 1/4 to beat Pakistan in their cricket world cup match and I hope the bookies are right.  Even so, that is too short for me to be betting so I will enjoy watching the action instead.

What a great result for Liverpool as they tasted Champions League glory again after beating Spurs 2-0 in the final.  After coming so close in the Premiership they certainly deserved a bit of silverware.  I must admit, I did back the Scousers...it does always seem that bit sweeter when you have had a few quid on!

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Thought for the day...why limit happy to just an hour?! Have a great day...