Huntingdon, Wolver Runners

There are four meetings this afternoon with jumps action from Doncaster and Huntingdon, whilst there are a couple of all-weather flat cards from Lingfield and Wolverhampton.  David runs Taj Badalandabad, Eur Gone West and Stream Lady at Huntingdon, whilst Ghost Serge runs at Wolverhampton.  Taj Badalandabad (pictured above) and Eur Gone West contest the Pertemps handicap hurdle qualifier at 2.35pm and Taj Badalandabad won this contest in 2016 and 2018.  He has had his share of problems but shaped better than his finishing position would suggest last time and is now 1lb lower than when winning this 2 years ago.  He clearly likes it here and would have a good chance under Tom Scudamore.  Eur Gone West would have to improve on his most recent efforts but won twice last term in good style.  The ground may just a little softer than ideal.  David Noonan rides.

Stream Lady runs in the 2m7½f novices' handicap chase at 3.35pm.  She ran okay in a valuable chase last time out and is now 1lb lower than when scoring over fences at Sedgefield last season so would have a chance on that basis despite the burden of top weight.  In an ideal world she would probably prefer better ground but looks to have claims under Tom Scudamore nonetheless.

Our final runner is Ghost Serge who runs in the 1m4f flat claimer at Wolverhampton at 5.45pm.  He has his quirks, but is clearly talented as demonstrated by his victory over course and distance on Sunday.  Winning jockey Finley Marsh is in the saddle once again and he would have every chance if replicating that performance.

Benie des Dieux was most impressive in landing the Grade 2 hurdle at Gowran Park yesterday from former Cheltenham Festival winner Penhill.  Such was the manner of victory, connections must surely now be tempted to have a crack at Paisley Park in the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.  It was a shame that old rival Apples Jade didn't give her running, weakening quickly and pulling up before two out.

*****

There was a shock exit for Serena Williams in the third run of the Australian Open tennis championships yesterday.  This defeat marks Williams earliest exit from the competition since 2006 as she was beaten 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 by China's Wang Qianq.  Williams was clearly well below form as she had beaten her opponent in the US Open in September, conceding just one game.

The final cricket test match is due to get underway today between England and South Africa in Johannesburg.  England have turned the tables to lead the series 2-1 having lost the opening match.  Rain has delayed the start of play, but I don't suppose England will mind too much as they only need a draw to secure the series.

*****

I got really emotional at the petrol station this morning...I don't know why, I just started filling up!

Tweet