24th February 2016

Hi ,

Well the big talking point at the moment is Europe. No not whether we should stay in the E.U. but something of far greater importance the question if the F.A.Cup winners should replace the team that finishes 4th in the Premiership in next seasons Champions League.

As far as I am concerned the cup has always been a top competition and this would put it on parity with the league and in particular stop teams like Man City from playing their youth team as they did against Chelsea on Sunday.

If you ask most players they would agree as when they start their playing careers the biggest dream is to play in a cup final at Wembley on the hallowed turf.

Today's racing looks a lot more attractive than we have had for a while especially during mid week. It's great to see a jump meeting at Doncaster with the word good in the going description. I for one have been totally put off by watching the type of jump racing that we have had to endure recently at places like Haydock and Chepstow with horses out on their feet running through a bog.

So for Howies Hottie today I'm off to sunny Donny in the 3.30 a handicap chase for veterans over 3 miles. The tip is Night In Milan from the Reavely yard with son James on top. The gelding reverts to chasing after a win over hurdles and needs to win this if he is to get a crack at the National.

One thing for sure he will most certainly prefer the better ground today as will many other horses as we approach the lead up to Cheltenham. I'm telling you that current form will be turned on its head once we get Spring ground.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

JUMPERS

The New One trainer N.Twiston Davies - This gelding will be a different proposition on better ground and now Faugheen is a non runner I feel at 10/1 he has a very strong chance of taking this years Champion Hurdle.

SYNTHETIC SURFACES

Hagree trainer J.Santos - Running in bottom grade now but has won off of much higher marks in the past.

Just A Groove trainer Ann Duffield - Ran at Lingfield where the rein broke and that can be ignored.

Lean on Pete trainer O.Pears - Seems to be returning to form off a winnable rating.

Chelwood Gate trainer P.Charmings - Ran into a place last time when coming from off the pace and seems in good form.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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