9th August 2017

Hi ,

I wonder what readers think about the Neymar transfer from Barcelona to PSG?Personally I think it all but brings the game into fantasy land and it’s the start of the silly season not the football season.

The French team have paid 196 million Euros for him and the Brazilian star will earn 600 thousand Euros a week after tax and I believe he is getting a signing on fee in the region of 45 million Euros. Lets face it he is not as good as Messi or Renaldo and in my opinion I believe Gareth Bale is a better player.

To put the whole episode into perspective a contract has just been found in an attic in Stoke that details that in 1932 Sir Stanley Mathews was paid £5 a week and received a signing on fee of £10.

Now I know a lot of you might not even know of Stanley Mathews but he was the greatest British player of all time who was fondly called the wizard of the dribble. In 1953 he helped Blackpool beat Bolton 4-3 in the F.A.Cup final and inspired them having been losing 3-1 at one time. It is known as the Mathews final and one of the best games ever witnessed at the old Wembley.

If you have never seen old footage of Sir Stan I advise you to google the name and watch him in action on Youtube as I can tell you he could do things with the old heavy balls of bygone days in the mud that todays players could never achieve.

Well Goodwoods been and gone and by and large it was a great week for the bookies with so many outsiders winning at massive odds. My moment of glory came when the Queens Fabricate was awarded a race after a stewards enquiry meaning it gave me and my Betting Opportunity members a 20/1 winner.

This weeks racing is pretty ordinary after the two Festivals last week meaning it’s more quantity than quality and for Howies Hottie I’m playing in the 2.50 Brighton on Le Tissier. It’s a 12 furlong low grade handicap which will take very little winning and the tip although still a maiden has dropped to a competitive mark.

EYE-CATCHERS

FLAT

Medieval trainer P.Cole - Ran 4th at Goodwood but might be suited by drier ground.

Carntop trainer R.Beckett - Down the field at Goodwood and another who would prefer firmer terrain. He is owned by Prince Charles and despite a few disappointing runs this year the gelding retains ability and will win at a big price at some point. Just remember you heard it here first.

Luna Magic trainer Lydia Pearce - Lightly raced type open to improvement.

Moxy Mares trainer D.Loughnane - Stayed on strongly last time and one to keep an eye on.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

CLICK HERE For Howard's Betting Opportunity!