More Magic?

There is a busy day of action ahead with five meetings taking place on these shores.  There are flat meetings from Ayr, Newbury, Newmarket and Wolverhampton, whilst there is a jumps card from Newton Abbot.  David has one runner this afternoon as Midnight Magic (pictured above) contests the 3m2f handicap chase at Newton Abbot at 5.20pm.  He was a winner over course and distance in a conditional jockeys' race 11 days ago and is 4lbs higher this afternoon.  He enjoys this good ground and regular rider David Noonan is back in the saddle this afternoon and with conditions very much in his favour, he must go well again.

Elsewhere, it is Ayr Gold Cup day at the Scottish track and with a consolation race (the Ayr Silver Cup) for those that did not make the cut, it means there are two 24 runner cavalry charges for the poor commentator to call home!  The result of the consolation consolation race (the Ayr Bronze Cup) which was run yesterday was dominated by horses drawn high so that could be the best starting point in trying to unravel these ultra-competitive handicaps.  Staxton could be interesting.  He comes here in good form having won his last two starts, has a handy draw and handles a bit of cut in the ground.  He was only 10th in this last year, but was beaten only 3 lengths and is lower in the weights this time around.  If you pick the winner of this, you might want to have a go at the lottery later on!

There are three Group races to look forward to at Newbury this afternoon, although the Group 3 Legacy Stakes (which was formerly known as the Arc Trial) has drawn only four runners.  I can see why it is formerly know as the Arc Trial as only Elarqam is engaged in the French showcase and I would be absolutely amazed if he figured in that.

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There are four Premier League football matches taking place this afternoon with Everton hosting West Brom, Leeds taking on Fulham, Manchester United at home to Crystal Palace and Arsenal at home to West Ham.

The most interesting football news is that of Thiago Alcantara's Liverpool signing.  The midfielder is deemed to be one of the best in the world and can only bolster champions Liverpool's side.  Alcantara completed the treble last year when playing for Bayern Munich.

It was a difficult day on day two of the US Open gold with most of the early leaders dropping away.  Patrick Reed leads the way on -4, whilst Rory McIlroy completed a six over par round and now sits at +3.  Tiger Woods looks likely to miss the cut at +10.

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Did you hear about the cartoonist who was found dead at his home?  Details are sketchy!

Two hats on a hat rack.  One says to the other, "You stay here, I'll go on a head!"

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