Please let Ringo’s drumming drive away the rain

When Ringo Starr is asked about his favourite Beatles song, he often says, “Rain”. This bemuses people; even long-standing Beatles fans can’t readily recall the ditty.

It was the B-side to Paperback Writer on one of the group’s early seven singles, released in 1966. Ringo likes it because it has what he considers his best drumming riff. But learned pop musicologists revere Rain for being the first psychedelic pop number, the first to incorporate Eastern sounds, and for it being a style forerunner to the album Revolver – often rated the best Beatles work.

John Lennon wrote Rain. Asked about its meaning, he said it addressed people “moaning about the weather”. Another interpretation was that it had to do with an LSD trip and the idea of mind over matter – in other words, it was an admonition to NOT to moan about rain.

Washed out in Durbanville

This might not resonate with the Cape Town racing crowd, who saw the eagerly awaited Matchem and Diana Stakes meeting at Durbanville washed out last weekend.

But, in line with the notion that weather is just a state of mind, these two Grade 3 1400m contests have reappeared on the card for this Saturday’s fixture at the country course. All those anti-rain dances and sun dances might pay off eventually.

Can you hear me?

That when it rains and shines (when it rains and shines)

It’s just a state of mind (when it rains and shines)

Can you hear me?

Can you hear me?

Charles Dickens

The re-appearance after a break of Equus champion miler Charles Dickens will be the focus of attention – as will the return of star sprinter Gimme A Prince in the same race, the Matchem. This race has been previewed to death; suffice to say these two supremos will fight it out.

The Diana is far more challenging to the form student – particularly as most of the field are stepping out after three-month holidays.

Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson’s filly Golden Hostess is weighted to win easily. But she could be a bit ring rusty, so it would be wise to include stablemate Gimme’s Lassie, a blinkers strike having her third run after a rest, and Happy Chance, who will enjoy the trip.