Harvest to the World 🌎

Harvest to the World 🌍

Politics

My voice may make little difference, but the world remains in turmoil.

In my opinion, South Africa’s current stance is not a clever one. The allies we seem to be favouring may well backfire in the long run — Russia, China, Iran, and others.

Our position on Venezuela and similar situations also raises concerns. We have more than enough problems within our own borders to keep protesters busy: water shortages, potholes, crime, the judicial system, unemployment, and more. We should be focused on getting our own house in order rather than adding unnecessary international tensions — especially with Donald Trump back in the picture.

The situation with Iran is the real hot potato 🥔, and only God knows how that will end 🙏.

Sports

As always, there’s plenty of information on the site, with links to cards and expert opinions — including some very sharp insights from Clan contributors.

The Kings Plate meeting was another success, and now we look ahead to the WSB Met.

See It Again was certainly a horse to win the big one — perhaps punters just backed him in the wrong year?

This weekend’s highlight should be the Hollywood horse 🐎 Il Était Temps, who meets Jonbon again in the Clarence House at Ascot. I have no doubt he wins on Saturday on his way to Cheltenham, where he is joint favourite with Marine Nationale for the Champion Chase.

More Cheltenham news: Constitution Hill runs on the flat on Friday night at Southwell as part of his preparation for the Champion Hurdle, where he’s expected to meet Sir Gino, The New Lion, and Lossiemouth.

Galopin Des Champs remains the 6/1 favourite for the Gold Cup 🏆.

Soccer

Hearts remain top of the Scottish Premiership, though Celtic are still slight favourites.

Arsenal continue to look red-hot 🔥 in England.

In the FA Cup, Macclesfield caused a major upset and will be hoping for another strong showing against Brentford.

Newcastle face Aston Villa in what will be a serious challenge.

There have been many great songs and cries for a better world — this remains one of my favourites:



Good punting 👍

I have a Normandy treble for the next few days

16 Jan Fairview
Race 9 Sesame
17 Jan Vaal
Race 5 Repetition
21 Jan Durbanville
Race 2 Mercenary

Sorry all it's next Friday for Constitution Hill No doubt Nicky Henderson's phone was ringing off the hook after it emerged on Tuesday that a 1m4f novice stakes at Southwell on February 20 is looking like the next stop for  Constitution Hill  – and I bet a good number of them came from jockeys.Who knows if this will be a one-off foray to the Flat or the start of a second career for the winner of the 2023 Champion Hurdle, but either way it would be a collector's item to be the first to ride Constitution Hill on the Flat.

I still have no doubt that the Hollywood horse IL ETAIT TEMPS will win on Saturday 

However just to remind you on the incredible form of JONBON 

Race Record
Jumps placings:
 
1
1/11121/111211/11211/111212-22

What an ATM machine.

Very sad as far as Il était temps but was under pressure when fell 😢 

However what a run from Jonbon very courageous and the form is amazing 👏