Haydock Wednesday

It's a bit of a long haul but lack of recent opportunities (ground, distance, course profile) means that Stainsby Girl will head south to take her chance in the 2m 3f Class 3 0-130 handicap hurdle at 3.20pm.

16 runners and it's a competitive race and a case could just about be made for all of the runners.

Donald McCain's Goobinator capped a fine season on the Flat with a 4th place in the Cesarewitch, is in form, dropped in class and well handicapped.
Had still not been asked a question when falling 3 out in a Class 2 race at Bangor 3 weeks ago. He sets a standard that will be very hard to beat.
More rain wouldn't suit one or two of the field but that doesn't apply to Homme Public (dropped in class) or Theme Tune both of whom look capable of improving upon their form to date.

Several more could be named as being likely to contest the finish but we'll leave it there.

Stainsby Girl has had one try at 2½ miles before but failed to settle that day and didn't have much left over the last two. But, we'll have another go here as in recent runs she's been found wanting for pace over the last two over 2 miles. She did look as if she would come on for her season opener at Musselburgh at the end of October. We hope so anyway.
Ideally, a mares only 0-120 handicap hurdle would suit but she'll have to wait until later in December for that chance. This race may tell whether that is over 2 miles or a bit further.
Craig Nichol rides for Al Duncan & Helen Simpson - so good luck to all three!!

 
Stainsby Girl (Georgina)

A sad day for the yard.....

Honda Fifty tragically suffered a fatal fall at Ayr yesterday at the 2nd last flight, when in contention for the lead.

For the last 4 years the 7yr old gelding by Arakan has been in and around the yard here at Dodlands Steading since being acquired at the Tatts Ireland NH Store Sale in August 2017.
Honda Fifty was runner up 3 times in NH Flat races and was also second over hurdles last season. Always one of the best on the gallops at home, we felt that the step up to 2½ miles would bring along that much deserved victory. But it was not meant to be.................
He raced in the colours of the stable and he was not only loved by the Whillans family but by all staff who worked here.

Stable life won't be the same without him for some time, he'll be sorely missed.