04/07/21

I'm not a football fan at all but it is hard not to be swept up in 'Three Lions' fever at the moment as the England football team continue to progress through the Euros. With a sports-mad husband and son, I've had to watch plenty of matches down the years and the usual disappointment that goes with it but this seems like the first time that England actually look good enough to at least get to the final and maybe more. If we do get to the final, I don't think much else will be happening in the country when it kicks off and maybe even less the following day if England win!

We have plenty to keep us busy before then with loads of entries but they are ground dependent with some heavy showers forecast across the country. We were due a thunderstorm and lots of rain this weekend but it never materialised so it goes to show that it can be very hit and miss.

It's already good ground at Nottingham on Monday and a bit more rain wouldn't harm Paintball Wiz's chances there that day. He was a bit disappointing at the track last time on quicker ground so hopefully the different conditions can help him out this time.

It's Yarmouth on Wednesday so we have lots of entries as per usual.
Raha has a couple of entries and one at Kempton that day too but she'll hopefully go to Yarmouth if they get enough rain. She was no good on the firm ground there last time but is a different horse with some give underfoot so fingers crossed the track gets some rain.
Saray Prince wouldn't mind that either and I'm interested to see what he can do here. He has had some time off since he last ran and is going a lot better now. He is still lightly raced so there should be improvement to come from him.
The same applies to Arpina who stepped up markedly on her debut when making the running at Newmarket last time and not quite staying the six furlongs. Dropping back to five furlongs here looks ideal and if she can replicate her last run she should go close.

Oud Metha Bridge will head to Kempton that same evening and there's no reason why he shouldn't run well. A lot does depend on what mood he is in but he seems happy with himself at home.

The weather will have a big say in if our Thursday entries run too.
Alibaba is in at Epsom but wouldn't want the ground to be too soft. He has been very consistent recently despite not getting much help from the handicapper so there's no reason why he shouldn't run well again providing he handles Epsom's unique contours.
Party Planner will go to Doncaster that day too if the ground isn't too firm. She ran a career best in a similar race last time and she too should be in with a chance if getting the luck of the run.