Excellent 3rd place for Big Bad Dream at Carlisle

We were under no illusions (see our race preview) as to the potential of the Irish raiders in todays bumper at Carlisle that would make it a stern challenge for our gelding Big Bad Dream. More so when the British-based jockeys lying 1-2 in the Jumps Jockeys championship (Dickie J & Brian H) were booked to ride. So, although you could argue that Big Bad Dream had experience on his side - this was his 4th and final outing in bumpers - we set our sights on a nice run to continue his progressive form with a chance of a place.

And so it turned out. Well.......yes, but only better so.

Dr Sanderson and (£100k sales purchase) Minella Mystics headed the market and took the first 2 places in that order. But our fellow ran a blinder of a race, and was upsides the first two from 4f out, staying on nicely to go down by just over 2 lengths at the line. There was clear daylight back to the 4th horse (Scobie's Indian Opera who'd been twice runner up this season), so naturally we are delighted with such a marvellous run from Big Bad Dream.

You can view the full race here.

Big Bad Dream shapes to be a fine horse for staying novice hurdles next season, and has the stamp to make a chaser in time.

From a modest budget at the sales, this takes our 2017-18 season in bumpers to 4 wins - 7 places - 12 runs from 6 individual horses to run.
Er,...., you can see why we're excited about the future here at Dodlands!