It looks like we may get some bursts of thundery rain over the weekend in some places and on the evidence of yesterday's racing it is very welcome.

When the Going does get firm a lot of horses "wont let themselves down" by which we mean that they come to make an effort on the bridle and when they try to kick on feel the pain through their legs of the firmer surface and like a human would ease off a bit. I'd liken it to a human getting "shin splints". The other aspect of firmer Going; is that unless the leaders make an error with the pace; it does tend to best suit those racing prominently; a fact we saw a few times yesterday; especially at Ayr and Chepstow.

We started the day with both KIWI BAY and COOPERESS being a shade unlucky not to place; finishing close 4th advised at double figure odds, both just away from the pace and both running well enough to track (Kiwi Bay is entered again today). COLOUR CONTRAST ran a nice place but Adventureman and Haymarket both disappointed. I have received quite a bit "of flak" regarding The Professor; whilst Thornaby Nash ran poorly, as mentioned Kiwi Bay was unlucky, and I am probably more to blame for building up The Professor, than he is for a poor start to his SP2A life. I can only repeat that over 3-5 years he has averaged close to 30% ROI to SP; I have the ultimate confidence in him and I don't think any Tipster deserves to be judged on a few weeks and a few tips. If you think otherwise feel free to contact me; (as some have and fair play to them as I welcome feedback at all times), and we will discuss.

So a frustrating day but a few yards here and there and the 2 x 4th places getting 3rd's would have put a far better complexion on it. I think abstinence on such poor days is something we can improve our perspective on.

The Cards today are bordering on "awful"; lets politely say uninspiring. When we are left deeply analysing a race at Kempton on the AW on 23rd May; we know its poor racing. They race again at Ayr; a number are entered for the second day running; a number who ran on similar ground at the weekend come out quickly to avoid penalty and to get their ground again, and that strikes me as both a likely scenario for non runners and strange results. The Card at Yarmouth is typical of the Course, Warwick and Southwell stage NH Racing but with heavily watered Going which tempers any enthusiasm for the form holding up and we have racing too at Wexford.