Frankel-y Amazing!

What about Frankel's amazing performance in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday?  It wasn't even the fact that he won by six lengths that has left everyone stunned, but more the manner of the victory.  I thought for a moment that jockey Tom Quealley had taken leave of his senses and had completely misjudged the pace - even his pacemaker couldn't get to the front as Frankel burnt his opponents off from the gate, recording sectional times more commonly reserved for top class sprints, what is more, he seemed to be idling in front and looked to pick up again when the opposition started to make some modest late gains.

I guess the big question now will be whether he will stay the Derby distance of 1m4f, or if we will ever find out.  Can you imagine him coming round Tattenham Corner at Epsom clear (if Group One milers don't have the speed to lie up with him, then the Derby field certainly won't)?  I would be ecstatic if he could win the Derby, but I have my doubts - he looks a miler (who would be capable of mixing it with the best even over sprint trips).  It will be fascinating to see what the master of Warren House does next - what a problem to have!

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One jockey who didn't cover himself in glory on Saturday was Peter Carberry.  He looked to have the race in the bag aboard 100/30 favourite Monty's Moon but mistook the finishing line, eased his mount and eventually finished third.  He was booed back into the unsaddling enclosure and understandably so...I know that mistakes can happen and there is another finishing post about 20 yards before the line, but this is the second time he has done it.  I remember years ago we gave Peter Scudamore a map of Fontwell and how to ride it, as described by John Francome.  It was meant as a joke, but it seems that it isn't such a laughing matter any more and all jockeys should be give a map and told where the winning line is!  Young Peter will certainly pick up a suspension and a fine, but will it make any difference at the end of the day?...of course it won't!

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Why is it that the football powers that be have their heads entrenched firmly up their bottoms and are unwilling to embrace progress?  I was watching the Chelsea versus Tottenham match yesterday and the Frank Lampard "goal" clearly never crossed the line.  How can a linesman make the call if his vision is obscured by the goalposts?  The whole ball has to go across the line (like it did in the World Cup when Lampard's shot for England clearly did despite being disallowed!) - some say it is swings and roundabouts, but why trust such important decisions to a man standing yards away with his little yellow and orange flag.  Most other sports have employed technology including cricket and tennis, why doesn't football employ the sevices of another referee with the aid of action replays?  With such large amounts of money at stake these days, why take the risk of making incorrect decisions?

Have a nice Bank Holiday Monday and keep smiling!