Jasmin 3rd At Abbot

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with the action all coming on the level from Ascot, Doncaster, Newmarket and York.  The big race of the day is obviously the King George Vi & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot which takes place at 3.35pm and sees wonder mare Enable bidding for a third triumph in the race.  There is a disappointing turnout with just three runners following the defection of last year's Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck.  Maybe it is just my rose-tinted glasses, but I remember when the King George was one of the most important races on the calendar.  It certainly seems to have lost some of it's lustre, although I suppose the late start to the season and the compressed nature of the racing calendar has presented as many opportunities in a much shorter timeframe.

Our two runners at Newton Abbot fared okay last night.  Jasmin des Bordes certainly took a big step back in the right direction when third in the 3m2f handicap hurdle, finishing his race off much better.  There will be races to be won with him when stamina is at a premium based on this evidence.  Percy Street finished fifth in the 2m5f handicap hurdle and he was bang in contention until impeded at the third last which cost him any chance.  He plugged on in the closing stages and will no doubt pop-up at some stage.

*****

There was an exciting first day of the series-deciding final cricket test match between England and the West Indies at Old Trafford.  After a shaky start England came back strongly in the afternoon thanks to cracking innings from Ollie Pope and Jos Buttler to finish the day on 258-4.  This puts England in a strong position but they need to consolidate today and hope that the weather is conducive to getting a result.

*****

To the man who stole my glasses - I will find you...I have contacts!

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