Unlike tonight's Kelso meeting, which has been called off owing to waterlogging, Pontefract survived a morning inspection, but the ground will be testing and there are a host of non-runners -- 14 at the last count. Born Tobouggie is a warm favourite for the Ladbrokes Fillies' Handicap with two rivals absent, but Henry Cecil's filly is no good thing to beat Ella (4.05). This Pivotal filly showed her best form to date when she got soft ground at Leicester last time, finishing a clear third to a couple of promising three-year-olds. With the Alan Swinbank stable going well, Ella will be hard to peg back in the hands of Neil Callan.
Overnight rain has eased the going at Ascot, on the round course in particular, and this could make Shipmaster (3.55) the value in the Sagaro Stakes. He has not taken to jumping hurdles since joining the Alan King stable, but ran well at Nottingham when returned to the Flat. Fat Boy (4.30) was just touched off in the 7f Free Handicap. He looks a sprinter and, with that run under his belt, can give 3lb to Tajdeef in the 6f Pavilion Stakes.
Tony Paley 1.30pm The rain is precipitating down outside here too as it is no doubt where you are. Worcester have just had an inspection after a particularly heavy downpour. Richard Pitman has just reported on Attheraces (henceforth ATR) that the meeting will go ahead despite standing water on the track but that the jockeys "will go steady". Considering it's nigh unraceable perhaps punters should too.
1.45pm Congratulations to Matt Chapman at ATR who persuaded Kieren Fallon to do an interview about all aspects of the controversial jockey's life. ATR have been showing the results every lunchtime this week. Chapman hasn't asked Fallon why he was so often late for the races mind you. He did say the jockey would give his verdict on his fellow riders and tell us who he doesn't rate. Still waiting for that one. Maybe we'll get that tomorrow.
It's like a Channel 4-fest on ATR with Big Mac (John McCririck), Catts (Mike Cattermole) and Languid (Simon Holt) live from Ascot. It's certainly a reminder of the extraordinary decision by Channel 4 to cut back on McCririck's appearances -- he brings a programme to life when he appears. Big Mac is obviously keen to let everyone know he believes the decision was influenced by the wife of the new head of sport at the station. That item was in Private Eye and has appeared in Charlie Sale's column in the Daily Mail twice!
2pm My colleague Chris Cook has pointed out that Betfair founder Andrew Black, who owns the two-year-old Skid Solo, reckons his horse will win the opener at Ascot today. To read Black's thoughts click here
2.05pm They're off at Worcester and the question has to be asked as to whether they should be racing -- they're splashing through water and jumping waterlogged paths. Let's hope they get through the card without incident. I've been told Jaloux D'Estruval in the 3.05 loves it unraceable.
2.15pm Skid Solo nowhere -- a huge disappointment again. That's the second time he has been well backed. A morning glory and that's for sure.
2.50pm Frankie!!! He loves Ascot -- and wins on Rosaleen, who was well beaten by Infallible in the Nell Gwyn Stakes last time. That's a boost for John Gosden's 1,000 Guineas winner as is the rain. Infallible wouldn't want it too soft but on breeding would certainly appreciate a bit of cut on Sunday at Newmarket.
3.25pm Phew! Jamie Spencer adored winning that easily on Cesare at Ascot. He's the sort of character who would love to cock a snook at his colleagues like that, looking across as he went past the field and not moving a muscle. The horse's backers might not have enjoyed it as much but that was easy and Matt Chapman says connections said that if he won with ease it would be the Lockinge Stakes next. Surely he booked his place there.
4pm Richard Hughes gets Shipmaster up to win the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot after his mount looked beaten. Is it just me or does Hughes, never my favourite jockey, appear to be riding better this campaign. Maybe being given the tin-tack by the Khalid Abdullah team has spurred him on. Well said Matt Chapman -- he has just said that Hughes is too often weak in a finish. Quite right and if Hughes is going to ride more like that then so much the better. Now if only Richard Hills . . .
4.55pm Bankable is about to run at Ascot. A very interesting horse for handicaps this one although it's already appeared in a number of horses to follow lists already for this season. Not surprisingly, given the coverage it has got already, it's 11-8 for today's race. Bankable wins with something in hand and he will come on for the race. The Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot is the race for this one -- get on when the betting comes out.
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