A number of Graham Greene’s novels have been made into films. Brighton Rock starred Richard Attenbrough as “Pinkie” and had a racing connection as some of the action took place at the Sussex track. For me though the best film was The Third Man where Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) seeks out his old friend Harry Lime (Orsen Welles) in post war Vienna. No racing connection there but both Holly Martins and Harry Lime, the racehorses that is, ran at Lingfield on Wednesday. Sadly a win double would not have paid out. Holly Martins was aptly enough 3rd but Harry Lime, never one to rely on, was well down the field.
Jumping takes centre stage tomorrow with the first meeting of the season at Cheltenham. One to note in the opener at 2.10 is Peckhamecho . A bumper winner at Wincanton last season he tended to pull to hard in subsequent races. If he settles better he should win races over hurdles.
Ian Williams saddles For Non Stop in the novice chase at 2.45. A consistent sort over hurdles he is expected to do well over fences a he is a former point to point winner.
Our Island was 7th in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham last season and before that won at Ffos Las and Newbury. He is a former points winner and his future lies over fences but he is in with a shout in the 3.20. Richard Johnson won on him on the only occasion he has ridden him before. Another that will be tackling fences this season is Paint the Clouds. He reverts to hurdles here and he could go well as he will love the ground and AP McCoy is 4 from 4 on him. The newspaper tipsters seem to agree with me about this race as 7 choose Paint the Clouds and 3 go for Our Island.
Next to the 3.55 where Creevytennant returns to the track where he recorded a victory in May. He may be better going right handed but comes here with a chance on ground that will suit.
Meganisi was formerly trained on the flat by Marco Botti. A winner in Rome he then suffered a foot problem. He looks the type to do well over hurdles. AP McCoy rides him here for Pembrokeshire trainer Rebecca Curtis in the 4.30.
Dammam won a hunter chase at Cheltenham in May. He will handle the ground in the 5.05 and is one to note. His trainer is a former assistant to Nigel Twiston-Davies.
Rock of Deauville has been put up 4 lbs by the handicapper despite falling at Ascot on his last run but could still be favourably treated in the 5.40.
Not much doing on the flat. At Haydock Lion Court (5.20) and Defence of Duress (5.55) have possibilities while at Redcar a win double on Visions of Johanna (1.30) and Dylan’s Dream (2.35) might appeal to Bob’s fans.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.
Bye for now
ahorse 