The big news which was announced yesterday afternoon was the retirement of leading flat jockey Fran Berry.  He had a fall at Wolverhampton before the New Year, despite many months of rehab and effort, he has stepped down on medical advise.  He was a very good rider, only 38, he probably had another 10 years or more riding. When you are advised to retire for the sake of your health, it is a no brainer ! I assume another fall could of caused long term problems, I read he is looking at media work in the future and working on Racing tv.

Looking at today’s racecards, El Astronaute 3.15 Mussleburgh has a solid chance of defying top weight.  He is a front runner, and has ran well at the track before.  The race meeting at Lingfield gets under way at 2.00.  Swiss Pride is a course winner over 6f, he looks pacey, so 5f should not be an issue, he probably has most to fear from Lille.  The 2.30 over 5f has seen a lot of market support for Electric Ladyland, who has to overcome a bad draw to win, Heer We Go Again could improve for his run only 3 days ago, he missed the break that day, if he does the same again here, it will be game over ! A good start is always essential, the old saying of “You can give weight”, but you can’t give start” is very true.