Flat Runner

 Flammarion runs on the Flat at Nottingham

Today we have one runner on the flat at Nottingham this evening, Flammarion runs in the 6.50pm, 1m6F handicap with Rab Havlin on board.  Flammarion had a little winter break and returned on the flat at Chepstow the other day and was a never nearer sixth over 1m4f.  He will appreciate the extra distance today and the handicapper dropped him three pounds which will help as well.  The Racing Post have him about fifth in the betting at 10/1 and hopefully he has a good each way chance.

In yesterday's action, Kolisi ran well again and was just beaten by the horse on a hat-trick, Appreciate.  He travelled and jumped well but couldn't repel the challenger just after the last although he did keep galloping all the way to the line.  Awesomedude finished fourth in the novice hurdle, he was conceding weight all round and was not beaten that far but the writing was on the wall a long way from home.  I don't think he was at his best for whatever reason yesterday and I am sure he can do better next time.

I hope everyone enjoyed watching the Royal Ascot action, Baaeed was very impressive but the horse performance that was my favourite of the day, was that of Nature Shift in the Kings Stand.  Craig Wylie, our travelling head lad told us his friends from down under told him that the Australian horse was a 'machine' and they were right!  He powered away from his field to win by over four lengths under James McDonald for trainer Chris Waller.  He looks set to run again on Saturday at Royal Ascot and I am sure it will take a very good one to beat him.  Guineas winner Coroebus won the St James Palace Stakes for William Buick and Charlie Appleby and this looks to have possibly set a mouth-watering contest in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood where he looks sure to take on Baaeed.  At this stage by money would be on the latter but lets just hope they both turn up.  David and Leanne enjoyed their day yesterday and got to catch up with a lot of people they had not seen for a while and David is back in the yard bright and early this morning feeding up.

Today we of course have day 2 of the Royal Ascot meeting as the feature but we have supporting flat fixtures at Hamilton, Nottingham and Ripon while over jumps there is action at Uttoxeter.  The stable does not have any runners but Philip Armson looks to have a couple of good chances in the last two races of the day, including one for his dad who was a winner at the track last time out.  In Ireland they are jumping at Wexford.  At Ascot, it is the turn of the Japanese to have a top contender in a big race, Shahryar runs in the 3.40pm Prince of Wales stakes and is second in the betting behind the Ryan Moore ridden, Sir Michael Stoute trained Bay Bridge.  Every race looks so competitive but I won't even profess to have any knowledge of any possible winners for today - I shall sit back and enjoy watching all the action unfold!

Lastly to finish, well done to the England cricketers who put in a great final days play to win the Test match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.  Meanwhile the England football team were booed off the pitch after playing badly and losing 4-0 to Hungary in the Nations League.  What it is to be involved and professional sport!  Have a good day everyone.