The Day Ahead

There is plenty of good jumping action on this afternoon, with meetings at Wincanton, Perth and Fontwell.  The stable has runners at Wincanton and Fontwell, including a couple of well-related bumper horses making their racecourse debuts this afternoon.  A P McCoy is in the saddle aboard Barney Cool at Fontwell - he is a half brother to prolific winners Mr, Miss and Very Cool, while Swing Bowler makes her debut at Wincanton - she is a daughter of that great mare Lady Cricket.  It will be interesting to see how they get on first time out on the racecourse - both look to be nice long-term prospects.

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Talking of exciting action, it looks to be an excellent first day at York.  The highlight of the meeting is the Dante and that isn't until tomorrow.  I have already backed Carlton House for the Derby and I notice that he is 9/4 to win tomorrow.  I am told that he did miss a bit of work recently, but he is expected to run a big race before going on to win the Derby at Epsom!...It sounds easy!

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There is good news of jockey Rodi Greene.  He is making rapid progress and could be home within a fortnight.  Rodi suffered a really nasty injury during a horrific fall back in March.  He has lost an awful lot of weight and says that it will be a while before he is back on board a horse again, he is so weak.  I hope that we do see him back in the saddle again - Rodi was a great asset to the yard during his time at Pond House, he is fearless and always gives every horse a ride.

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There is a great picture of Mick Fitzgerald in today's paper.  It is a snap of Fitzy while he is still half asleep and it was taken by A P McCoy.  It's the only successful nap you will ever get out of Mick!

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Many happy returns to former snooker world champion John Parrott who is 47 today - that is about the size of his highest break these days!...only joking John.