Weekend Jottings

There are three meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Plumpton and Catterick and and all-weather flat fixture from Southwell.  David has one runner today as popular veteran Rathlin Rose (pictured above) takes in the Sussex National at Plumpton at 2.25pm.  He finished third in the race last year, beaten only 3½ lengths and is now 5lbs lower in the weights.  He may be a teenager now, but he retains all of his ability and was only narrowly beaten last time out at Doncaster.  He may be vulnerable to an improver but he looks to hold solid each-way claims.  Fergus Gillard is in the saddle and is excellent value for his 5lbs claim.

It was a bit of a shocker that Ayr was abandoned yesterday shortly before midday.  There had not even been an inspection planned during the morning with the track seemingly having no concerns.  With racing due to start at 12.20pm most of those participating will already have arrived at the track or been well on their way when course officials decided to inspect at 11.30am.  I know that the tracks like to give the meetings every chance of going ahead, but this is just too late.

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There are two Premier League football matches taking place today following the postponement of Burnley versus Fulham. Chelsea versus Manchester City should be interesting, although City will still be without five players owing to the Covid protocols.

The final week of the regular season of the NFL takes place tonight meaning that my pain will be over until late summer!  The Vikings have already been eliminated from playoff contention as have their rivals, the Detroit Lions.  Week 17 often throws up some strange results with many of the teams already through, resting players.  I expect the Vikings to beat the Lions, but as usual with the Vikes, I will be taking nothing for granted!

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I saw this bloke chatting up a cheetah the other day. I thought: "He's trying to pull a fast one."

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