Racing

A very nice start to the month with four in a row building up a nice war chest. So we can all play nicely and make no comments about Jamie Murray's mum. But it seems mum's are the key now, as Stuart Broad has come out and said his mum was the key to his career success. That sounds a bit harsh on his old man, who presumably passed on some talent, having won the Ashes down under in 1987! But onto today's bets, while the golfers warm up ready for the '5th Major'.

2.20 Fakenham Rapscallion-Dyneburg Forecast SP (1st-3rd +3.10 - turning into the straight we had every chance, but Aleemdar went on with Rapscallion rather than Dyneburg, and we were left with the frustration of 1st and 3rd. Aleemdar though is under investigation for 'irregular betting patterns')
On the BHB ratings this looks a 2-horse race between these two, who are 8lbs and 10lbs better off to their nearest rival Mr Wiseguy. Rapscallion has only been out of the first three on two occasions from seven runs this winter - once when falling and probably would have won the other when carried out at the last. The booking of AP confirms to me that today he should make up for that misfortune. Dyneburg didn't enjoy his chasing winter, pulling up 3 times out of five, but his return to hurdles in a claimer last time, stamped his hurdle mark as still fair, and with the advantage he has here on those weights, I expect Paddy Brennan to follow AP home.

7.45 Arbroath v Stranraer Draw 5/2 (LOST +2.10 - A fine 2-0 victory for Arbroath ruined not only this bet, but my planned second leg bet as I would have backed them to go through. They should do now, but will be no price)
The playoff finals in Scotland are two legged affairs and tonight's is the first leg of the Division Three playoff. And that fact alone would point you to a cagey affair, with neither side wanting to lose it in the first leg. This theory is further supported by the fact that both these teams drew their semi-final first legs - in which Arbroath were at home and Stranraer away, just as they are tonight. If you still need further convincing, of the four matches between these sides so far this season, three ended up all square, including the last league game of the season.