AFC WIMBLEDON v WYCOMBE WANDERERS LEAGUE ONE SATURDAY 31st AUGUST 2019

Our third home game of the season and sadly we still looking for our first victory of the season with only the 1-1 draw against Accrington Stanley to show for our efforts so far. Long way to go but even with the problems that have beset the likes of Bolton and Bury we expect another difficult relegation battle this season. Having lost our first two league games 2-1 each time it's still small margins and with a lot of new young players to blend in at least we not getting thumped yet. Lost our last game against Sunderland 3-1 but that was to be expected and no disrespect to today's opposition but this is a much more winnable game for the Dons and we have our captain Will Nightingale back in the starting XI.

FORM GUIDE 
(Last 6 matches from last season in their respective leagues, starting with most recent)
AFC Wimbledon -- LLDLLLD
Wycombe Wanderers -- WDWDWW

LAST TIME OUT
Sunderland 3 - 1 AFC Wimbledon
Wycombe Wanderers 4 - 3 Southend United

While we were losing 3-1 to Sunderland, Wycombe were winning a seven goal thriller against likely relegation rivals Southend, so might have done us a good turn there with that last gasp injury time winner. Wycombe remain unbeaten with three home wins and two away draws giving them their best ever start to a third tier season, but AFC Wimbledon have just one point from five tough tests which have included close encounters with promotion-hunting Sunderland, Ipswich, Fleetwood and Rotherham. Playing Wycombe means a return for old Dons legends Garth Ainsworth and Adebayo Akinfenwa, though the big man might be on the bench these days he is a massive handful and would be no surprise if he scored against us. Should be a very open game though. We have our club captain Will Nightingale back in the starting XI this weekend which is great as we need some leadership on the field. Some goals for Joe Pigott will help his confidence but we also need to see the midfield chipping in so it was good that Nesta Guinness-Walker has got off the mark. Our "new" goalkeeper Nathan Trott has started to play and making some good saves although unable to stop recent defeats it could be a long season for us unless some late loan deals can be done.

And just a final word this week for all connected with BURY FC. It's always the fans that suffer usually at the hands of the owner and No One wanted to see your team go to the wall, but we are living proof that you CAN start again and rebuild, keep it fan owned, and come back stronger the same goes for BOLTON WANDERERS who while appear to have saved themselves this season they only have a handful of full time players to call upon and will probably need to drop to league two in order to rebuild.

Line Ups (Confirmed);

AFC WIMBLEDON

Odds -- 2/1 (William Hill) 

Trott (GK),  Thomas,    Kalambayi,  Nightingale (c),  O'Neill,  Wagstaff,  Hartigan,   Reilly,   Guinness-Walker,  Appiah,  Pigott

Subs – Tzanev (GK),  Roscrow,  Pinnock,  Connolly,  McLoughlin,  Stabana,  Folivi

WYCOMBE WANDERERS
Odds --  7/5 (William Hill) 

Allsop (GK),  Grimmer,  Stewart (c),  Charles,  Jacobson,  Wheeler,  Gape,  Bloomfield,  Kashket,  Akinfenwa,  Freeman

Subs – Yates (Gk),  Samuel,  Mascoll,  Phillips,  Pattison,  Parker,  El-Abd

  

Selected Bets on this event;
  1st Half over 1.5 Goals @ 2/1  😞
  Penalty Awarded and Scored @ 9/2
  Red Card in match @ 5/1

⚽H/T Score – 0 - 0 

First Half Comment;

Dons kicked off and quickly on the front foot which is good too see at home and gets the crowd on side, however we win corners that we cannot convert and it's Wycombe who have the first actual chance on goal by Scott Kashket which is saved by Trott. Akinfenwa has a header saved too and it's becoming a bit scrappy someone needs to put a calm foot on things soon on the plus side we still in the game and even managed a shot on target of our own from Scott Wagstaff, I sense a goal is coming. But alas it doesn't and the half sort of peters out to a goalless draw stalemate.

⚽F/T Score – 0 - 0

Match Summary;
Looks like a bore drawn and another point to the tally, going to be a long season for us at this rate cannot see where the win will come from though small consolation that we didn't lose either. Shame that our lad Terell Thomas fired over deep into stoppage time   

My Man of the Match – Nathan Trott.

Referee -- Our referee for this important League One fixture will be Mr Alan Young who hails from (pause for breath) Milton K.... no I cannot write these words. Ok he's an experienced ref and doesn't support "them" but lets hope he has a quiet game today. Will be assisted on the touchlines  by Adrian Tranter and Andrew Laver while the fourth official will be Samuel Ogles.

Attendance – 4,521.  

Next match:
Saturday 7th September vs Franchise FC (Away)
League One 12:00pm 

CHESTER RACES - LADIES DAY -- SATURDAY 31st AUGUST 2019

If you have never been I strongly recommend trips to both York and Chester, not just because they are beautiful locations with plenty to see and admire but also the racing is outstanding. York has it's big meetings of course but one of the smallest and busiest courses can be found here at 'The Roodee, Chester'.

Today's meeting has been deemed as Ladies Day and therefore we hope that it's a day of wonderful sunshine, colour and glamour, and yes you Gentlemen can join in too if you want too. It's expected to be a sunny, hot, humid week so I expect you will be seeing a lot of flesh here in Chester by Saturday, make sure you cover your bits in sunscreen and keep in the shade when you can. The gates open from 11:30am and the action gets underway at 13:35 with a handicap event over an extended 7f. 

Today's raceday schedule with my selections;


1:35pm  MBNA British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (2yo)
Distance: 7f 1yd | Prize: £11,132

Opening race is a novice event for 2yo's only and has only attracted six runners, CREATIVITY represents a top yard at this track and could g off a nice price too, will back that along with BREATHALYZE who was a course and distance winner here last time out.

Winner - Berkshire Rocco 2/1. 
Runner up - Breathalyze 2/1.

2:10pm  SportPesa Handicap Stakes (3yo+)
Distance: 7f 127y | Prize: £46,000

Opening handicap contest and the ITV camera's are here later for the Chester Stakes we can find the winner here with OH THIS IS US [Won 5/2] (Richard Hannon) he won this race last year and should be keen to make a strong bid on a course he clearly enjoys along with SIR BUSKER (William Knight) in good form and gets plenty of weight so could be dangerous from a low draw.

Winner - Oh This Is Us  5/2f.
Runner up - Alemaratalyoum  33/1.

2:45pm  SportPesa Chester Stakes (Listed) (3yo+)
Distance: 1m 6f 87y | Prize: £38,000

The feature race on the card is the Listed event, only a small field of just six here where OUTBOX is the lively favourite and this son of the mighty Frankel should be fit enough to carry the weight and dictate matters. The interesting opposition begins with Dermot Weld's STIVERS the Irish trained six year old is unlikely to have travelled over for a holiday and it will be interesting to see how the betting market speaks. Of the Mark Johnston trained pair VIVID DIAMOND [Won 7/1] would have the edge for me.

Winner - Vivid Diamond  7/1.
Runner up - Persian Moon 5/1.

3:20pm  SportPesa EBF Fillies Conditions Stakes (2yo)
Distance: 6f 17y | Prize: £21,300

Another 2yo contest now and again Mark Johnston looks to have the strong card with DREAM KART who has plenty of experience and is a previous course winner drawn six is not ideal but has one of the best jockeys around Chester to help in Franny Norton and looks a big player. The unknown and potential fly in the ointment is the bottom one, an un-raced filly from trainer Richard Fahey AL RASMAH [WON 12/1] who gets a useful weight allowance and is well drawn in stall two.

Winner - AL RASMAH 12/1.
Runner up - Know no limits 5/4f.

3:55pm  The ESL Group Handicap Stakes (3yo+)
Distance: 5f 110y | Prize: £20,335

At last a big field handicap to ponder, fourteen declared over the min trip so we'll immediately exclude anything drawn higher than stall eight. From these we look at a pair of course and distance winners ANGEL ALEXANDER [3rd] a three year old and top weight but could make it a bit test and if there's rain in the forecast that would be welcomed. Along with GABRIAL THE SAINT has won and placed here regularly off a similar mark and the course form is always to be respected.

Winner - Powerallied 20/1.
Runner up - Bossipop 10/1.

4:30pm  1539 Handicap Stakes (3yo)
Distance: 5f 15y | Prize: £11,447

A race for three year olds only and going to take on the favs with couple of decent price alternatives, drawn low we have EXALTED ANGEL [5th 6/1] (drawn 2) who has won in France and ran a decent race last time at Ripon, could be difficult to pass this time and 12/1 looks big. Take that one with VEE MAN TEE [3rd 7/2] (drawn 4) and Franny Norton can keep this one going up front again about 8/1 so place bets for sure.

Winner - Fairy Stories  3/1f.
Runner up - Wild Edric  4/1.

5:05pm The MKM Building Supplies Handicap Stakes (3yo+)
Distance: 1m 7f 196y | Prize: £11,447

Our finale for the stayers, the top weight CELESTIAL FORCE has a fair chance of defying the weight and should stay the trip if so will be hard to catch while Mick Channon runs the good stayer SO NEAR SO FAYHH [2nd 8/1] who will not worry about the ground and will certainly be staying on when others are fading.

Winner - Overhaugh Street 16/1.
Runner up - So Near So Fayhh 8/1.

Summary -- wow, loads of winners and places today, decent prices too and a cracking day out for all concerned. hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend. 

Chester Races enclosures information;
OPEN COURSE - is located within the centre of the race track and is the ideal setting for a relaxed day at the races. Free children’s activities and live entertainment (weather permitting) There is no dress code in this enclosure.

DEE STAND - this has a tiered, uncovered terrace and ground floor standing area. A ticket for the Dee Stand provides access to food concessions, bars and betting facilities within Dee Stand AND the Open Course enclosure. Again there is no strict dress code in this enclosure. It is however advisable to dress for the elements.

TATTERSALLS - is the ideal choice for racegoers looking to access both sides of the track and affords excellent viewing of the final stages of every race. Enjoy the facilities of the Paddock, including the Paddock Lawn and food concessions in Parade Ring Corner. Take full advantage of the Chester Bet facilities on offer and enjoy a great day in relaxed surroundings. Dress Code: Smart casual dress is suggested. Smart (not ripped) jeans, trouser or chinos and polo shirts/collared shirts are permitted for gentlemen.

COUNTY CONCOURSE - Overlooking the final furlong and the finishing post, the County Concourse is a premium enclosure at the heart of the Racecourse. This badge permits racegoers access to the Paddock and all accompanying facilities including the County Champagne Bar and Parade Ring viewing. NB - This badge does NOT provide access to the seated area in the County Stand, although limited standing is available.  Dress Code: Gentlemen are required to wear a well-tailored suit or a blazer/sports jacket with smart trousers, together with a shirt, collar and tie. Ladies are required to wear smart dress. No denim jeans of any colour, no trainers, no sportswear and no fancy dress is permitted.

WINNING POST - [SOLD OUT] Chester’s most premium ticketed enclosure is situated adjacent to the Winning Post itself and within the heart of Chester's buzzing paddock. This adult only enclosure is partially covered, offering shelter from the elements and has informal seating for guests, providing a guaranteed seat and the perfect spot from which to socialise and enjoy an afternoon of racing. 

KEMPTON PARK RACES 2019 -- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS #20 28th August

Continuing with the next instalment of what I hope will prove to be a more productive second half to the year throughout 2019.

End of August now and we started to see a return of the summer warmth, it may not last too long so enjoy it while you can. The Bank Holiday has been and that's your lot till Christmas, we had a busy weekend with Railway Club action and expected to be disappointed by the cricket but wow (yes wow) what a result that was in the end and it's 1-1 with 2 tests to come. The Football League One season has continued and after last week's loss to Ipswich we went to Sunderland on Saturday only to get well beaten 3-1 and could have been more. May I say though that all at AFC Wimbledon supporters, players and staff continue to feel for the fans and hard working staff of BURY FC who avoided being liquidated on the weekend but have sadly been expelled from the Football League and therefore were removed from this season's fixtures without playing a game. Now looks like a similar fate will fall to BOLTON WANDERERS who have been given a similar deadline and could collapse too as they have 14 days notice to secure their season. As a fan of AFC Wimbledon we know what this is like, but they can rebuild, and come back stronger.  Update -- Seems that Bolton have secured a sale and saved their season, well done, now make sure it never happens again.

Finally had a winning evening at the last meeting here and will continue to focus on the all weather horse racing now while the lights still shine brightly here at Kempton Park throughout this year. We are hopeful of better season than we experienced last year but it's just some fun and excitement to mix up the week we have found it hard and are more than a little behind to SP though it's something I will keep persevering with through to the end of the year. 

Let us continue with this our twentieth Wednesday night of 2019, and will continue to focus on the handicap contests for each Wednesday evening meeting though we will also occasionally include a feature listed or conditions event too if there is one available. Keeping records of our endeavours to a 1 point level stake at SP, naturally we will personally be looking to get better odds than this but for the purpose of these results here we simply record SP returns only. Following our last meeting the deficit is currently on -44.355 points to SP returns overall. We continue to battle hard to reduce this and thankfully there is still plenty of time to get this back on track. 

Throughout the year we will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of anticipated short priced favourites too. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures we have been fairly successful with our selections so far and last time got another favourite selection beaten which means we are now 21/30 we will continue with this through 2019.

This Wednesday will be meeting number twenty for the 2019 AW season and we are expecting a seven race card tonight we have five handicaps to review which should keep us plenty busy enough. The action which will now commence at 17:55 with a Novice Stakes over a mile and the card ends around about 20:55 with our final handicap contest over six furlongs.

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

Going and Weather -- The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a lot of cloudy weather but it'll be warm and therefore humid the top temperature around 27C by the time the meeting gets underway.

Here are our handicap selections for tonight;

18:25 -- 1m Handicap (3yo).

Our opening handicap for tonight is for three year olds only and is over the mile, a field of only seven have been declared for this with Tipperary Jack top weight. The jockey Oisin Murphy is popular here and rides MUMS HOPE a course winner as a 2yo and could be her turn was a runner up at Ascot in a better race than this while the bottom one IMAGE OF THE MOON [WON 4/1] is also of interest tonight with a recent win in the bank beating a short priced favourite and running on strongly this is a step up but included.

19:25 -- 1m 3f 219y Fillies Handicap.

There are only the six fillies lining up for this as we go to press (love these old fashioned phrases) again Oisin Murphy looks to have a good chance of another win on VIBRANCE [2nd 10/11F] for the Cheveley Park Stud. While SIBYLLINE [3rd 33/1] hasn't set the world alight yet gets plenty of weight here and might spring a surprise looks over priced in a small line up.

19:55 -- 1m 2f 219y Handicap.

Very open looking affair now where only Maquisard seems to be out of the reckoning and it's the pair of SPORTING TIMES (Ed Dunlop) [5th 16/1] and EMIRATES KNIGHT (Roger Varian) [WON 2/1f] that we select against the field. While Sporting Times has been off the track for just over a year and might need this does have the assistance of Ryan Moore who doesn't come here without expecting a winner.

20:25 -- 1m 7f 218y Handicap (3yo).

The staying contest is confined to three year olds and has only found five willing participants, but they are all from top yards, John Gosden sends BALTIC SONG and this Sea the Stars colt is quickly stepped up in trip after only three runs. William Haggas sends SMARTER [5th 4/1] back to the all weather, was a runner up last time over 1m 5f at Newmarket and has plenty of experience on all weather tracks so should be right there tonight. 

Both Isabella Brant and Johnny Kidd have work to do on the all weather track, having only the one previous ride between them, the bottom one is the danger BLAME IT ON SALLY [WON 11/4f] from the Sir Mark Prescott yard a dual winner and recent win was over 2m this is a stable that might have a sequence planned for this easy winner who also likes to make the running and could have these in trouble on the run for home.

20:55 -- 6f Handicap (3yo).

Our finale for this evening is a twelve runner sprint event and it's wide open for these three year olds, headed by RICOCHET who has been busy and runner up a few times including around here, might go close but the latest defeat was while odds on and therefore opposed. Lay - Lost.

CHIL CHIL [WON 3/1] is a lightly raced horse so far, but the yard and owners don't mess about and market support would be interesting here. While MAID MILLIE [Non Runner] only lost by a nose at Chelmsford earlier in the month where a repeat of that could see her go very close again.

Staked -- 10 points.

Returns -- 16.75 points.

Results will appear here later during Wednesday evening. We are currently on a deficit of -44.355 points to SP returns for the season, four more months of the season to go though. Nice winner last week and hopefully we can see that form again. A good few winners tonight and both the lays lost so has been fun, small profit, but always welcome thus reduces our losses by +6.75 now we are on -37.605.

LAYS -- 21/30. Another successful short price lay bet last time around and will see if we can find one or two short priced selections and will post here if we have any for tonight.

Tonight's Lays;

17:55 - NATIONAL TREASURE  LOST 4th 5/2 .

20:55 - RICOCHET  LOST 7th 6/1.

Both lays we beat, so that's us on 23/32 now (72%)

Our twenty first meeting for this year will be held in couple of weeks time on Wednesday 11th September so hope to see you then and throughout the rest of 2019 too.

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND - FOOTBALL AND HORSE RACING

There are many events over this busy weekend which is of course the August Bank Holiday too it will see plenty of Football, Horse Racing and Heritage Railway events too. This Saturday while AFC Wimbledon are away to Sunderland looking for a big result in League One this season (lost 3-1) I will be out attending an Open Day at Hillingdon Railway Modellers.

Always a good day out for me as I get to take a few of my late fathers trains to give them a good run, he built plenty of O Gauge models and although I only have a small number of them left I can only display a few at home.

The important thing is to be able to get them out of their storage boxes and go give them a run now and then as well as meeting the other members and seeing their models too. I have also been accumulating some new N Gauge items including non runners most of which I have been able to get going again so will be nice to take a few and see if the N Gauge layout / test track is available. Does remind me of my Dad, and I still feel he's with me while I am still able to participate in this club and support their excellent work. 
Miss you Dad. x

That should keep me busy and out of mischief for Saturday, for me Sunday is usually a day of rest as intended, I would on most weeks be preparing myself for another exciting week ahead of work but of course we have the luxury of Monday being a Bank Holiday I will make a day out and just hope that the weather stays fine to enjoy it and then it's a short week back in the office before the month ends. 

This Bank Holiday Monday [26th August] the plan is to head over to the Isle of Wight and take a ride on their Heritage Steam Railway as well as the "Island Line" which runs from the Ferry at Ryde Pier Head down to Shanklin. The connection at Smallbrook Junction allows us to pick up the Steam service towards Haven Street and Wootton. Over each August Bank Holiday weekend, the railway organises the Island Steam Show, Bursting with surprises, the 45th Island Steam Show is an action-packed event and great family day out! 

There are bundles of fun in the main arena with The Hogg Show and Reel Stunts in Action. Watch the silly traction engines games, be awe-inspired by Haven Falconry’s birds of prey and enjoy a variety of displays and attractions to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day! And it's not just the Steam Trains and engines there's plenty for all around the Show, climb aboard the traditional fairground rides, marvel at the fascinating working steam demonstrations, relish the sight of beautifully maintained traction engines, vintage cars, motorcycles and old wagons, or simply settle back for a steam train ride through the Island's unspoilt countryside. To complete your day out, meet the Blackfoot Lodge in their Red Indian encampment, browse around the fascinating stalls, pick up a bargain from the country crafts. There are opportunities to cool down with an ice cream or a glass of your favourite tipple from our Real Ale bar, and enjoy a good variety of refreshments. Should be a fun and busy day.

While I am away though there are a few race meetings on though not as busy as I used to recall but then maybe my memory is not what it was. Horse racing on the flat at the likes of Chepstow, Epsom Downs, Southwell and Ripon as well as National Hunt action over the obstacles at Cartmel in the lake district. The latter always being a very popular meeting over the holiday, although it's not the easiest of courses to get to and good luck if you travelling anywhere this weekend with rail strikes a plenty along with the regular disruption and closure of London Kings Cross station for Engineering work and the never ending HS2 and Crossrail kerfuffle. 

Quickly putting up a selections taken from the main race (based on prize money) one from each of the following meetings on Bank Holiday Monday;

CARTMEL
3m 1f+ Handicap Hurdle (5:00)
 -- MR CLARKSON for David Pipe was a winner here in July and the seven year old is starting to show some decent form and ought to be right there along with the other hat trick seeking runner DR ROBIN [WON 8/1] for trainer Peter Bowen who also won here last month in fact has won over both hurdles and fences so plenty to like. 

CHEPSTOW
2m Sir Gordon Richards Handicap (4:55)
 -- Just the four runners and best to stay on side with DISTANT CHIMES who is most likely to keep his winning sequence going. While both GRACEFUL LADY and CHARLIE D [WON 4/1] are also proven over this sort of trip it's a bit of a step up in class and if this is run at a reasonable pace will need a career best to stop the Sir Mark Prescott runner.

EPSOM DOWNS
5f Handicap (3:05)
 -- The five furlong "Dash" handicap will be run at a furious pace as always and can go to DUKE OF FIRENZE [2nd 6/1] despite his advancing years is more than capable of getting his head in front and with plenty of experience this course holds no fears. Queen of Desire also fancied to run well here even with top weight.

RIPON
Ripon Champion 2yo's Trophy (3:55)
 -- The best race on the weekend here and there are seven 2yo's running for the listed prize worth £17k+ to the winner. Richard Hannon's OH PURPLE REIGN has been busy winning three times this year and runner up three times too. Saeed Bin Suroor runs the Godolphin owned PLATINUM STAR [WON 6/4F] who has the single best piece of form here when runner up in the Windsor Castle stakes at Royal Ascot. KEEP BUSY is a progressing filly to keep an eye on but it's LAMBETH WALK the filly to back here rated similar to Oh Purple Reign but gets a handy weight allowance.

SOUTHWELL
5f Handicap (3:35)
 -- FANTASY KEEPER continues to run well and might go off favourite today so will look at couple of course and distance winners in SAMOVAR and WARRIORS VALLEY against the field.

DOWNPATRICK 
2m 5f 160y Giltspur Scientific Handicap Hurdle (3:25)
 -- HELLO PILGRIM [3rd 7/1] / BRACKA LADY.

Whatever plans you have for the weekend hope the weather stays fine for you all and enjoy your long weekend break.