Newbury & Kempton!

Today we have a runner under each code, Itseemslikeit over hurdles at Newbury and Ocean Heights on the flat at Kempton.  Itseemslikeit runs in the 2.35pm EBF novices hurdle over 2m4f and Jack Tudor rides.  He was impressive in winning at Ffos las on hurdling debut last time but has to step up again this afternoon as it looks a very competitive event.  Our four year old is a gorgeous big son of Black Sam Bellamy and he is definitely one for the future but has impressed with both his attitude and athleticism to date.  We will find out even more about him today but the track and ground will suit and it was be interesting to see how he fares against some useful looking rivals this afternoon.

Ocean Heights has run well on his last two flat handicap starts at Kempton to be third and second and I hope he can go one better today but it again looks an open and competitive race on paper.  Aidan Brookes who rode him on his penultimate start is back on board today and I think our six year old will enjoy the step up in trip.  Thinks haven’t quite gone to plan for him mid race on his last two starts and he has finished strongly.  Hopefully with a bit more luck in running today he will run well and get his first victory!

As well as Newbury, there is also jumps racing at Ayr and Ludlow.  There are two meetings on the all-weather at Kempton and Lingfield and in Ireland they also race at Dundalk on the flat. 

Yesterday Ya Know Yaseff ran another fine race to be second at Wincanton.  She travelled and jumped well under Gearoid Harney but just could not reel in the winner, indeed getting a little tired herself after the last.  It was probably as good a run as she has had for us and she is definitely capable of winning a similar contest in the future.   

Last night it was the Sports Personality of the Year awards and the Woman's England football goalkeeper Mary Earps won this year, with Stuart Broad finishing the runner up and Katrina Johnson-Thompson finished in 3rd place.  No joy for Frankie last night, but he did already say he felt the winner being nominated against some great sporting heroes.  It's always nice for racing to get noticed and have a nomination in a huge show like this, so Frankie should be proud of himself and he can now enjoy his few days away on holiday with the family before picking up again race riding in his new location of California.  

In the football quarter final matches Everton were home to Fulham drawing 1-1 which ended up going to penalties and resulted in Fulham winning 7-6. Port vale were against Middlesbrough and lost their game 0-3. Chelsea were at home against Newcastle drawing 1-1 which again ended up in penalties and resulted in Chelsea winning 4-2. 

The last quarter final match of the EFL Cup takes place this evening, West Ham are at home to Liverpool at 8pm which should be a good contest.

Vodka may not solve your problems.

But it’s worth a shot!  Happy Wednesday!