30th March 2016

Hi ,

Well what a great month its been for English sport with our rugby team winning the six nations with a gritty win in Paris against the French. Followed by a super effort from our footballers coming from 2-0 down to defeat the Germans 2-3.

I have to say the goals from Kane and Vardy were both out of the top draw however Germany and Arsenal should both bare in mind that any team with Ozil in is like playing with ten men as his work rate is virtually zero.

Also if Kane and Vardy maintain their form there must be a doubt over Rooney making the squad never mind the team for the Euros in June.

Then on top of the super wins by the rugby and football teams our cricket boys dumbfound all the experts in reaching the T20 semi finals lining up a cracking semi against New Zealand.

I know the media in particular like to knock our sportsmen but for 5 mins lets all bask in the glory of a great month.

The flat season kicked off on Bank Holiday Monday with a drab days racing at Redcar and why they can't wait until this coming Saturday for the Doncaster Lincoln meeting I will never know.

A lot of punters like to have a go at the Spring double which is the Lincoln and the National however it can be very much a lottery. Mind you it's possible you will be a lot better off finding the winners of the two big races rather than doing our dubious National Lottery when 5 winning numbers paid a poultry £15 the other week.

I admit I can't make head or tail of the Lincoln but I feel I have two eye-catchers for the National.

Talking of eye-catchers I'm going to put one up as this weeks Howies Hottie in the 3.50 Lingfield in the shape of Secret Witness trained by Ron Harris and with Luke Morris in the plate. I watched the old timer at Kempton on his last outing where he seemed out paced at a crucial stage until finding his stride inside the final furlong to finish with a flourish.

He steps up a furlong here and if I'm right it's just what he needs these days.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

FLAT

Fire Fighting trainer M.Johnston - I have a feeling the trainer has found improvement and can pick up decent races on the flat.

Krystalite trainer S.Dixon - Led the field for a long way at Lingfield and can outrun her current rating.

Moonday Sun trainer J.Butler - A good winner at Wolverhampton last week he is still well ahead of the handicapper.

Duchess of Marmite trainer R.Hughes - She coasts through her races on the bridle when held up for a late run and as long as she gets a clear passage it's difficult for the handicapper to catch up with her.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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