Uttoxeter Runners

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with flat cards from Ascot, Haydock and Newmarket's July course, whilst over the sticks there is action from Uttoxeter.  David has two runners this evening at Uttoxeter; Midnight Magic and Airton.  Midnight Magic (pictured above) contests the 3m handicap chase at 7pm and he ran well to finish a close third over course and distance last time from this mark.  The ground is a little quicker again which should suit him well and there is no reason why he should not be right there under regular rider David Noonan.  Airton represents the David Pipe Racing Club in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle at 8.30pm.  He took a step back in the right direction when a staying-on fifth at the track a fortnight ago and looks as though this longer trip should suit.  He has looked reasonably treated for a while and the fast ground will certainly suit so he cannot be dismissed, although he needs to improve.  Fergus Gillard is in the saddle and claims a handy 7lbs.

Talking of our racing club, To Fly Free made a promising hurdling debut at Cartmel yesterday afternoon, finishing third in the juvenile hurdle.  There had been plenty of rain at the track and the ground was probably softer than ideal for her.  Her jumping was good and she looks sure to be winning races when there is less of a premium on stamina.  Huccaby jumped well on his first outing over fences in the 3m1f novices' handicap chase but was unable to be competitive at the business end from 11lbs out of the weights.

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The cricket could be poised for an exciting finish over the last couple of days.  Whilst England were bowled out for 107 runs shy of Pakistan's total, they fought back well with the ball to reduce the visitors to 137-8.  If they can claim the last two wickets cheaply this morning they would have a chance.  The trouble is, they will be batting last on a tricky wicket that is offering plenty of help to the bowlers.

Reigning world champion Judd Trump edged through to the quarter finals of the snooker in Sheffield after beating Yan Bingtao 13-11, whilst former champion Mark Selby also progressed after a final frame thriller with Noppon Saengkham.  Neither player seems to be at their very best, although what better time to come into form?

Qualifying takes place for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix from Silverstone this afternoon.  It looks likely to be another Mercedes benefit with only Pirelli's softer compounds promising to make the weekend more interesting.  The trouble is, all of the teams will be anticipating problems this time around and likely switching strategies to allow for that.

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I went to the doctors the other day.  He said, "I haven't seen you in a while".  "I know, I've been ill" I replied.

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