Scotia on the downward spiral.

Good morning Clan and apart from some great racing to look forward to, I
appear to be on the downward spiral.

I try to get to the gym as much as possible to balance my social life and
was at the pool area and noticed a few "old" ladies doing water arobics, as
I dropped my towel, a few wolf whistles could be heard but the instructor
told me to "stop it", however after my swim and steam bath I went to the
canteen and was greeted by the sign "pensioners tea" and at the same time
one of the young lady instructors took my hand and led me to a plastic chair
gave me a paper plate with a large piece of black forrest gateau and was
asked do I want tea or coffee?
I then sat talking to many interesting "old" people asking various questions
mostly about illnesses, which sadly I was able to make a good
contribution.


Mrs S has Phuket accomodation sorted

So the bucket list has become a priority with Mrs S winning the choice
between Ascot and the far east, at this stage a trip to the far east has
been a visit to the Scottish butcher in Benoni.
Mrs S loves to google trips and not surprising she has a "special" deal to
Thailand with a tsunami facing room with double glazing on the windows.

As far as racing and sport, we have a busy weekend coming up at the end of
the month with a wedding on the Friday, Champions Day on Sat and a trip was
planned to Durban on the Sunday but sadly Miss Diana has had a further
setback and won't be running.

Just looking at the fields for Sat 28th, and well done again to Sportingbet
first with the prices.


What A Winter

The sprint is a cracker and should be the race of the day, the flying
machine Val De Ra has been priced up 6/5 fav, however I fancy What a Winter
9/5 to catch her with the inform King Karl on his way to 4000 winners, not
forgetting Shea Shea and J.J. so get to the track.

A rather weak looking Champion Challenge with Igugu going overseas, where
DWTD and Europa Point topping the boards at 7/2 and my fancy Bravura at 11/2
.
In the Derby Silver Flyer is the 2/1 fav but my money will be on Brookes
Club at 12/1.

Frankel has caused shock waves through the racing world with regards his
well being, lets hope he still is on track for the Lockinge Stakes on the
19th of May at Newbury.


Camelot

Camelot has shortened for the 2000 gns with the non appearance of the money
horse Most Improved at Newmarket this week, Camelot also tops the board for
the Investec derby and Arc.

Harry the Viking is fancied for the Scottish Grand National and we hope the
7/1 shot wins in a non dramatic race and that all the runners come home safe
and sound.
Union Rags and Bodemeister are joint favs for the Kentucky Derby at 5/1 on
the 5th May, same day as the 2000gns at Newmarket.

Plenty sport taking place and just watched the Stormer win a good contest
and will be joint favs with the Crusaders, but will be sticking with the
Bulls.



Have been some great football games and with Chelsea beating the brilliant
Barcelona, but although they have shortened its still Messi and the lads at
12/10 to lift the trophy with Real 3/1, Bayern 9/2 and 7/1 Chelski.
As far as the FA cup, the Blues 7/10 should beat the Reds 13/10.
The league should still go United 1/5 over City 5/1 and the Geordies are
going great guns and should win again this weekend where the big clash is
between the Gunners and Chelsea. It might be worth sticking with the inform
Wigan at 7/2.

The site is still going great with plenty hot topics, Champions Day, the
Sales, noms for July, Rugby and Soccer talk and much, much more.....enjoy
and thanks again for the contributions.

Good punting and may your God be with you.

Great post Scotia,you were spot on about IGUGU paying for our July/J&B trips and all expenses which will be missed.One thing you forgot to mention is your 'GIN and TONIC shampoo that you use at the gym -D

I find it more hygienic than soap especially when u get Greeks in the shower area

Majestic Merigo reclaims Scottish National crown
 
BY TOM BOYLE 3:41PM 21 APR 2012
 
Report: Ayr, Saturday

Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 4m110y, 5yo+

MERIGO, winner of Scottish Grand National in 2010 and runner-up last year, proved his liking for the Ayr marathon once more when battling to a hard-fought victory.

Camelot into even money for Guineas success
 
BY STUART RILEY 6:05PM 22APR 2012
 
CAMELOT has been cut to even money with Ladbrokes for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas after Aidan O'Brien confirmed the colt was ‘working towards' the Newmarket Classic on May 5.

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A best-priced 7-4 with bet365, Paddy Power and Coral, Camelot shortened on the backof stablemate Nephrite fluffing his lines at the Curragh on Sunday. The Loughbrown Stakes third has been pushed out to 16-1 (from 9) by Coral.

Spokesman David Stevens said: "We had seen some support for Nephrite for the 2,000 Guineas ahead of his reappearance, but although that gamble looks to have gone astray, the market strongly suggests Camelot will be heading to Newmarket, in which case he will start a red-hot favourite for the opening Classic of the season."

Camelot, the scintillating winner of the Racing Post Trophy last October, is also favourite for the Investec Derby. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said at the Curragh: "We are working towards the 2,000 Guineas with Camelot and Power. Maybe is our main one for the 1,000 Guineas at the moment."

O'Brien added on Camelot: "We are happy with him at the moment anyway."

Power, winner of the Group 1 Goffs National Stakes in testing ground last September, chased home Parish Hall in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes and is a 14-1 chance with Ladbrokes for the first Classic of the season while Maybe is generally available at 7-4 for the fillies' version.

Most Improved ruled out of 2,000 Guineas
 
BY PETER SCARGILL 10:26AM24 APR 2012
 
MOST IMPROVED has been ruled out of the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket next month due to an injury he picked up before last week's Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes.