Dodlands Weekend Racing review

Another week, another agonisingly close runner-up slot - this time Nights In Venice was our latest horse to lead over the last but be run out of it near the line. By a head.

The going was heavy at Newcastle on Saturday, which wouldn't entirely suit Nights In Venice but he had been slowly improving this season and turning for home there were only 3 in it. At that stage, you'd have been mistaken for thinking Lester Piggott was on board, as Nights In Venice's jockey had a long look over his shoulder for any signs of danger. But he has his quirks, and an awkward jump left 2 out somewhat stalled his momentum and the winner Nell's Bells took his chance over the last and stayed on better near the finish.
Nell's Bells.....not quite what connections uttered but same meaning.

Nights In Venice is a tough sort, a dour stayer who will surely win a few next season if his current progress is maintained.

No such excuses for Enemy at The Gate in the last race of the day. Well beaten into 3rd place but truth be told he didn't race with the same sparkle as was evident on his course and distance appearance a month back when 2nd.
Out of contention down the back straight mainly due to indifferent jumping, he ran like a horse 'over the top' for the season. Which may well have been the case.
Nice horse though who will surely break his maiden next season.

A couple of placed efforts then but ........

Elsewhere weekend Racing review

The Grand National - where else?

Tremendous result on Saturday for those residents of Arlary House Stables when Corach Rambler (ridden by Derek Fox) justified favouritism to win the 2023 Aintree Grand National in just about as easy a fashion as seen, for his 7-strong syndicate The Ramblers who seem to be in the 12-95 age range. Nice bunch of lads.

Many congratulations to Lucinda and her whole team.

Of course that does mean in our columns over the next year we can re-instate the full name of the trainer.
Grand National Winning Trainer Lucinda Russell, aka GNWTLR.......