Bash on the Flat

There was a fantastic day of racing to look forward to today, weather permitting and while Sandown has got the green light to go ahead, Leopardstown has unfortunately been abandoned and we are still awaiting news on Wetherby which has an inspection.    So there is definitely good jumps cards to look forward to at both Sandown and Musselburgh and there are two all-weather meetings at Lingfield and Newcastle and we have one runner at the former, Bashful Boy.

He runs on the flat at Lingfield in the 3.20pm handicap over two miles and Jack Dace rides.  He has been running consistently of late and finished fourth at Kempton last time when perhaps given a bit much to do.  This is a step back up in grade but he is a previous course winner and with our jockey taking a handy five pounds off his back I would hope he won’t be too far away again.  Cheek pieces go back on and several re-oppose from Kempton and I would like to think we can reverse form with them.  I am a Bash fan and would dearly love him to get his head in front.

So unfortunately Leopardstown has been lost to the elements but I did see several videos on social media last night of the pouring rain in Dublin.  The Irish are very forward thinking when it comes to re-arranging race meetings and today's card will now take place on Monday with all declarations standing.  I am sure the many thousands who would be attending over the weekend can get an extra day off work on Monday and find something else to occupy their time today?!  It is a shame it does not go ahead today but the weather cannot be helped.  Jack Tudor rides at Sandown this afternoon, and rides Mr Vango in the lucky last.  He will be up against Harry Cobden who has his first ride in the green and gold JP McManus silks on Fortunate Man.  Mr Vango heads the betting with Fortunate Man second best and it should be a good race.  There are only four runners in the Scilly Isles Novices Chase and on paper the Irish dominate, with Harry Cobden riding Kitzbuhel for Willie Mullins and Kala Conti is second best for Gordon Elliott.  The former was very impressive at Kempton over Christmas but it is a very different track and ground this afternoon so it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

Turenne ran well without winning at Ffos Las to be third.  He travelled a bit too strongly early in the race before a scruffy jump at the third last cost him valuable momentum from which point he was always on the back foot.  He galloped all the way to the line and you could not fault his effort it was just a little frustrating and with things a little different I am sure he could have won.  He is fine this morning which is the main thing and he will be winning soon.

There are five Premiership football matches today, no early kick off but the tea time game is Chelsea at home to West Ham which kicks off at 5.30pm.  Liverpool play Newcastle at 8pm.

There were two terrific men's semi-finals in the Australian Open yesterday, both matches going to five sets’ and the final tomorrow will be between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.  It is the women’s final this morning and World Number One Aryna Sabalenka will take all the beating once again with the match likely to start about 8.30am.  

Exeter Chiefs are at home in the Premiership rugby today against Sale at 3pm. 

My car broke down somewhere between the marina and a Hallmark store.

Now I'm stuck between a dock and a card place.

Have a good Saturday!