All-Weather Runner

   Ocean Heights runs at Lingfield Today

Today we head to Lingfield with one runner on the flat, Ocean Heights who runs in the 2.00pm race, a 1m4f handicap and Jack Dace claiming five pounds rides.  He is returning from a little break and this is a competitive looking contest.  He is the outsider of the field and even though he is handicapped to run well I think there will be easier opportunities going forwards.  Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan have the favourite in the race, Likealot and they look like they could take all the beating.

We were due to have three runners at Ffos Las today as well but that was called off yesterday morning due to waterlogging!  It is always wet at Ffos Las so for them to have called it off early shows how bad conditions must have been but at least everyone knows and can make alternative plans.  This leaves just one other jumps meeting  today at Southwell.  Lingfield is one of two flat cards today with the other being up at Newcastle.  In Ireland, they have a jumps card at Clonmel.

American Sniper ran okay at Plumpton yesterday to finish third.  They had a lot of rain during the day yesterday before and during racing and this was not ideal for us.  The front two horses just got away on the final circuit so it was effectively race over winning for us but he kept going well enough for third.  This was a step back in the right direction and he can be winning again soon with some drier conditions underfoot.

David and Gerry Supple were in London yesterday for the Horse Writers Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.  The good news is that they have returned and are here working this morning, they have been known to miss the train on an occasion or two!  Lee Mottershead was crowned racing writer of the year for the fourth time, Patrick McCann was photographer of the year for the third time.  Nick Luck was broadcaster of the year for the tenth time.  Sean Bowen was jockey of the year and Willie Mullins trainer of the year.  Lots of trainers and people who work in racing from racecourses to various other roles enjoyed a good day out so it seems and I am sure there will be a few stories to emerge as the day goes on!  

Tonight there are three Premier League matches.  Bournemouth are at home to Everton, while Fulham host Manchester City.  Both of these games have a 7.30pm kick off.  Newcastle are at home to Spurs at 8.15pm.

Today my parsley, basil and rosemary all turned against me.

Thyme is on my side though!

Have a good day!