Teaser Solid Fourth

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Bath, Hamilton and Wolverhampton.  Following the heavy downpours over the weekend it is hardly surprising that Newton Abbot have had to abandon their jumps fixture today.  At least we have a flat runner to keep us entertained today with Ekayburg a runner on the flat at Bath - he contests the 1m2f handicap at 3.05pm.  Our five year old was the winner of a couple of bumpers in France, including a Grade 2 contest and ran a good race on his last flat start at Leicester when runner-up back in June.  Finley Marsh, who was on board that day, is in the saddle again and he claims a useful 3lbs off his back and he looks to have a decent chance.

It is not just Newton Abbot who have suffered at the hands of the weather, I see that Hamilton have had to cancel three races on their waterlogged round course and add races to be held on the straight course to get a full programme of action.  Unsurprisingly the ground is going to be very testing and whilst it may sound obvious, make sure that if you are betting, your selection will handle plenty of give in the ground.

I thought that Teaser ran another cracker for the yard on Saturday at Market Rasen.  He finished a close fourth in the very competitive 2m5½f handicap chase, easily his toughest task to date over fences.  He looked like he might even win approaching the last and perhaps a slightly shorter trip might be the answer.  Don't forget he is only a four year old and there will be plenty of other days for him.

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I had a short-priced yankee come up over the weekend, or should I say, Mrs Barnes did!  Anyway, looking at tonight's football action and Manchester United play Arsenal on Sky Sports tonight.  I remember when this used to be one of the biggest matches of the season, but not anymore.  They are both moderate sides...that will upset a lot of my United and Arsenal supporting mates!  If United fail to get a result I could see Solskjaer on a sticky wicket.  I suppose Manchester United look tempting at odds of 6/4.

There was a good result for Wales in the rugby as they beat Australia 29-25 and are now at the top of their group.  I am not Welsh, but I am claiming this one as a victory - I love beating the Australians at anything...it's like I have family in Australia or something!

Over in Russia, Lewis Hamilton won the Grand Prix at Sochi.  I bet the after-party had plenty of caviar and vodka on the go.  Hamilton benefited from the retirement of race leader Sebastia Vettel when his Ferrari's engine gave up, leading to a safety car which cost his team-mate Charles Leclerc his chance of victory.  When your luck is in, it is in.  Hamilton now looks to have an unassailable lead in the championship with only five races left and his subservient team-mate his closest rival.

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I really like left-handed gloves, although on the other hand, I don't!  Have a nice day...

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