News from Dodlands Steading

There were a few more than usual who went for a stretch of legs (see next story below) for a Saturday morning, so we just had a couple of lots on the gallops today.

Snapping Turtle is none the worse for his fall at Sedgefield last Sunday, led his gallop companions for a couple of spins Up-the-Middle.

Big Bad Dream worked well and has come out of his Ayr race in typical (for him) laid back fashion. Honestly, you wouldn't have thought he'd left his stable, as his nonchalant demeanour can drive The Stable Jockey round the bend on occasion. Talented racehorse though!

Bollin Julie is very well after her victory last Sunday, and is another who doesn't give the impression of having been in a hard race (which is was, by the way). She could make another appearance in the next fortnight, with testing conditions preferred.

Side of the Road has progressed markedly since her debut in a bumper at Musselburgh last month, with each individual work rider remarking on the improvement. She's entered at Wetherby on Tuesday, but needs a few horses to come out to get a run.

Callum rode Keyboard Gangster in his work yesterday, and he's a gelding that has been plagued by numerous minor issues this season, and has been a little difficult to train. So, it's tempting fate to set any 'next race' plans for him, but we would like to see him in a soft-ground bumper in the next few weeks.

Snapping Turtle leads Big Bad Dream, Bollin Julie, Side of the Road (hidden) and Keyboard Gangster

The last lot had just one piece of work on the woodchip gallop. The four contained a mixture of horses who had run in the last week, and those who had been having a easier couple of days due to minor niggles.

It was was of those niggles that prevented Shades of Midnight from taking up his intended engagement in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock yesterday. Annoying, as a week ago he had been working very well, and our hope were high for a bold showing. Ayr, a week on Monday is now a possibility.

Tomahawk Wood is another of those that are a little hard to train......loads of ability, but subject to minor issues which blow up from time to time. He's entered at Wetherby on Tuesday, but it may be a bit of a rush to get him there.

Baby Ticker has come out of her Newcastle second well, and we'll look for better ground for her next race.

Night Comes In has lost a little condition after his first run in a bumper at Ayr last week, but is keen and eager and is clearly thriving. We'll give him plenty time to recover before planning his next race, but a bumper on good to soft would fit the bill.

Baby Ticker (Garry) and Tomahawk Wood (Sarah), lead Night Comes In (Pinky) and Shades of Midnight (Callum)

On The Road Again

Joining our youngsters for a bit of light exercise in the nearby lanes were Hartforth, Paper Roses and Dali Mail (runners in the last couple of days).

There's no disguising the promise shown by Paper Roses in finishing 3rd in her novices' hurdle on Wednesday, and she has taken the race very well. Maybe a mares' novice race will be her next target.

4yr old gelding Dali Mail has been a bit quiet in the yard following his 4th on bumper debut on Wednesday, but there's no rush with his promising horse.

Hartforth is sound and well.

Making up the quintet were Eternally Yours and Brooke, who'll be making their re-appearance on the gallops from Monday.

Hartforth pictured at Kelso last Thursday