SCOTIA ON MONDAY the 14th of JULY.

Good morning to the CLAN and hope you had a good weekend.

Its Monday morning so a good reason to be gloomy, but I have decided to remain positive and focus on the good things that are happening.

Firstly I am delighted that we are going ahead with a box at the big T and my thanks to Oscar/John for including me in this venture, it has always been a dream of mine to view the races from such a prime position.

On the racing front, had a break even day at the big T and as normal food was superb.

Good weekend for SA on the sports front with wins at the rugby and "Ascot", well done again MDK and a draw? at the cricket.

I am looking forward to the Olympics, in particular the men's 100mts, Bolt,Gay and Powell, can they break the world record during the games? Plus still think the States are worth a punt at 15/10 for the most medals.

Looking at the big races in store, the King George now looks a gift for Duke of Marmalade, Henrythenavigator for the Sussex and we hope to see both War Artist and National Colour in the Nunthorpe.

Today as normal on a Monday racing is poor, except in France where I hope to see Curtain Call win the main race, but plenty opposition from Doctor Freemantle, Montmarte and Alessandro Volta.

To follow up on my treble yesterday over the jumps, have to stick with McCoy today, his best ride should be Kaldouas, which won well last time and can follow up and Trinity Rose the best bet at Newton Abbot, in addition Capucci and Aleatrics can both win again at Ayr.

The British Open starts this week and still fancy big Ernie, to beat Sergio, Phil, Padraig and Lee, but suggest you check with the expert Brent before placing a wager.

So with all the doom and gloom of Mbeki and Mugabe and the petrol price and high interest rates, why is everyone still building and investing? At the top of my street, they have just bought 50 upmarket houses and flattened them to build yet another shopping centre? This must be the time to buy land and property, "buy land, they have stopped making it".

One last note on race horse syndicates, I wish all the first time buyers every success in this difficult but wonderful game and I feel that posters on the Forums, wishing bad fortune on others should not be involved in horseracing.

Good punting and may your God be with you.

SCOTIA