Matters arising

Now I'd be the first to admit that this blog brings to tipping what Todd Carty brings to ice-skating but every once in a while, working on the premis that if you throw enough darts one day you'll hit the bull, I manage to get it right, so I pray your indulgence, dear reader, and ask you allow me to point out that I hinted (a mere hint, you understand) last week might be the time to strike an ante-post bet on Kauto Star for the Gold Cup at 3/1. Denman's disappointing display at Kempton yesterday has seen Kauto's price shrink to 6/4 with several bookmakers while the former favourite is now generally a 4/1 shot.

There could be no disguising connections' dismay with Denman's demise yet full marks to Paul Nicholls for coming on national television just minutes after the race to air his views. While I think it's too early to write the horse off, and Kempton's right-handed track clearly didn't suit, you can't help but wonder after that return whether we've seen the best of him - perhaps last season's sensational Gold Cup victory has shattered 'the tank'.

With the start of the Six Nations, as an introduction to the England - Italy international, the BBC ran a little preview that featured several Italian rugby players parading in their pants, much to the delight of Mrs Tips. The piece proved rather prescient as, unfortunately, in the match itself, the players were pants.

The other day a colleague of mine was on the verge of landing a touch. He'd done the homework and with a little less than two minutes to the off, he logged on to ladbrokes.com ready to strike his bet. He made his selection, clicked on the button and was greeted with this message...

So near and yet so far...