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15th February 2017

Hi ,

Congratulations to Joe Root for being made England cricket captain with Ben Stokes as his deputy. One things for sure Test cricket will never be dull with this dynamic duo running the show. After failing to beat Bangladesh and losing 4-0 to India there is a lot of rebuilding to do but they have until July when they will face a baptism of fire against South Africa in a 4 match series.

There is a lot of controversy in French racing where they have decided to give female jockeys a weight allowance of 4.5lbs in all races apart from group or listed events. It has met with a very mixed reception over here with people like Sir A.P McCoy saying it’s a great idea while top lady rider Josephine Gordon calling the plan an insult and both sexes should be judged on equal terms. I must admit I agree with Josephine and wonder what odds I could get for her to be the first female to ride a Derby winner?

There is a decent card on the tapeta at Wolverhampton today and Howies Hottie goes in the 4.30 a classy handicap over the 2 mile trip. I’m going with Percy Veer who is a strong stayer and receives weight from most of the field. He sports a pair of blinkers for the first time which could sharpen him up and hopefully the claimer on board can get the gelding into a prominent early position to exploit his stamina.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

ARTIFICIAL SURFACES

Whip up a Frenzy trainer R.Rowe - The gelding was last weeks Hottie and he showed up well until fading in the straight. My opinion is the horse needs 7 furlongs or a mile at best to win. He has dropped stones in the handicap and I’m hoping the trainer reads my column and takes my advice.

Upper Lambourn trainer J.Holt - Another who runs off a basement rating which he can take full advantage of before long.

JUMPERS

Clyne trainer E.Williams - He ran to freely in the big hurdle at Newbury on Saturday and did very well to be placed.

Beltor trainer R.Stephens - Ran in the same race as the above but disappointed finishing down the field. He is well handicapped and can win a nice race when finding his form.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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