Weekend Jottings

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Cheltenham and Fontwell, whilst there is an all-weather flat fixture from Southwell.  Today is the third and final day of Cheltenham's November meeting and David has three runners; two at Cheltenham and one at Fontwell.  Ramses de Teillee contests the 3m3½f handicap chase at Cheltenham at 1.50pm.  A fantastically versatile stayer, he enjoyed a successful season last term winning three times over hurdles and he picked up some decent prize money when fifth last month in the French Champion Hurdle.  He remains 9lbs above his last winning handicap mark but course, distance and ground should all suit and he has solid each-way claims in a competitive contest.  Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

Our other runner at Cheltenham is Thinking who makes his debut for the stable in the big race of the day, The Greatwood Hurdle at 3.00pm.  He was a good winner of his only start in France, beating a useful opponent but he has not run in 811 days subsequently.  It is a big ask after such an absence, but he goes nicely at home and should be well suited by conditions.  He only has 10-4 to carry and could run well at a decent price under Tom Scudamore.

Over at Fontwell, Orchard Thieves contests the 2m5½f novices' handicap chase at 1.00pm.  An Irish point-to-point winner, he also scored over hurdles at Warwick so is capable of going well fresh.  This is a very tight race with little spread in the weights between most of the runners and he would have each-way claims with a clear round on his chasing debut.  David Noonan is in the saddle.

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England are back in UEFA Nations' Cup action today as they play Belgium who are top of the league.  England looked good as they beat the Republic of Ireland the other night and will be hoping for an improved performance having lost their last encounter against Belgium.  England are currently tied with Denmark in their group.

The Turkish Grand Prix takes place today and the wet conditions have made it a little more unpredictable so far this weekend.  Lewis Hamilton can seal a historic seventh world championship this weekend, although I will be hoping that his rivals can keep it interesting for a little while longer.

I have the American Football to look forward to tonight and much as I hate to say it, the Packers should be winning, along with the Saints, Steelers and Ravens...A little acca could be in the offing.  I have to wait until Monday night before I get to see my beloved Vikings as they travel to Chicago to play the Bears.  The Vikes have a dreadful record at Soldier Field, but hopefully recent improved performances will be enough to secure them the 'W'.

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My teacher told me I’d never amount to much because I procrastinate so much.

I told him, “Just you wait!”

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