So Many Roads triumphs at Ayr
The Wellfed Boys : on the right - minus The Trainer - receiving their prize
post race.
There is a following article providing a full review of our runners in the past 4-5 weeks but we thought So Many Roads was worth an update all to himself!
So Many Roads brilliantly ridden by Craig Nichol, stayed on well over the last to clinch his first victory at Ayr on Monday, over 2m 4½ furlongs. Just a Class 5 0-100 event, but this was his first handicap, 17 runners and a very rough race as the field maneuvered for position rounding the turn for home into the straight.
We use the term 'brilliantly' guardedly here. In the paddock pre-race
Craig shared his (and Callum's) thoughts with The Wellfed Boys on just how the race
would pan out :
- There would be plenty pace on so settle in mid-division on the
rail
- This was So Many Roads' handicap debut, so to avoid any
scrimmaging drop to rear halfway
- Make progress between 4 out and 3 out wherever there's a clear
path (on the rails or towards the outer)
- Ride a race from there and hopefully be challenging for a
place over the 2nd last
This is how the race developed with Craig conjuring a strong run
from the gelding from 3 out, and despite not meeting the last
perfectly, kept on really well on the run-in to come out on top
by a couple of lengths.
See the full race again here : 
Just the second win of the season for the yard - both at Ayr over 2m 4½f, both by Sulamani - and a welcome fillip for the yard after the sad loss of the much loved Stolen Money last month.
This was also the first win for The Wellfed Boys partnership,
although the individuals involved - Dave Leslie, Al Duncan &
Donald - have had winners trained by Dodlands over the years.
But this was a return to the winners enclosure for 'Lucky Dave',
part owner of stable legend Well Disguised who won the last of
her 4 hurdles about 13 years ago.
So Many Roads, glistening in the sun post race with Garry
If you've followed the regular updates on the progress of So
Many Roads, you will be aware of the care and attention that
Callum and the staff have put in. He has taken time to
strengthen into his ever growing frame, a period when asking too
much could easily offset months of education.
But he has always been well thought of, and although this was a
low-grade affair, the manner of his win leaves some level of
optimism for the future.
So Many Roads (Craig) on the right over the last at Ayr on Monday
