Friday

A frustrating day yesterday with Secret Millionaire finishing second. To make it worse, the gelding traded at 1/16 in-running and looked the winner all over but such is life and a loss is accepted. I remember some months back, Scott Ferguson said it might be worth taking out 'insanity' insurance on the horses your back - that is, laying them at a short price in running, purely to avoid the frustration that comes with having horses go so close only to get beat. It's happened me a few times recently including Imperial Commander, which traded at 1/100 in-running on Saturday.

Speaking of Scott, he brought a video to my attention on his site the other day. If you haven't seen it, take a look. It's one of the most blatant attempt at stopping a horse ever seen, over in Belgium. It's almost comical, although you wouldn't find it funny if you backed the horse and watched it come second. The jockey, who had her licence suspended and awaits a hearing today, is practically standing up in the irons:

Had a look at the S&P500 Index today which is hovering just under 1500. Can't find any trades though and besides, it's too risky with the non-farm payrolls out today. Those results should set the tone for the rest of the day and early next week.

I've a busy enough day ahead - I'll be writing tomorrow's newspaper column and doing a few bits and pieces from home. I hope to get out for a run later this evening and maybe spend a bit of time with my daughter and watch a few films. Just one bet today on the favourites strategy. It should be around 2/1:

2.00 Lingfield - Artful Lady
Improved back on polytrack this winter, winning at Wolverhampton in November. Poorly placed when fourth there last time but Ryan Moore takes over now.