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“EVERYONE’S PROUD OF HIM” - DODS ON YORK SPECIALIST DAKOTA GOLD


TRAINER Michael Dods is hoping Dakota Gold can land a course record seventh triumph at York when he tackles the Sky Bet Sunday Series Sprint Handicap this weekend.

TRAINER Michael Dods is hoping Dakota Gold can land a course record seventh triumph at York when he tackles the Sky Bet Sunday Series Sprint Handicap this weekend.

The evergreen eight-year-old notched his sixth success on the Knavesmire in the Churchill Tyres Handicap on 11 May. It matched the tally of course wins registered by Copper Knight (who runs at York tomorrow in the 2.55pm William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap) and was also equalled by star stayer Stradivarius.

Dakota Gold’s talent and heart were evident once again in his last race when he just held the late thrust of Makanah to prevail by a head in the hands of Connor Beasley, who has been aboard for all six of the gelding’s York victories.

Owned by Doug Graham, Ian Davison and Alan Drysdale, he has won over £400,000 in prize money – much of it earned at his favourite track.

Dods, who trains at Piercebridge near Darlington, said: “He loves York, which is basically why he keeps coming there. The way the track is suits his way of running.

“Saying that, it’s still difficult for a horse to win anywhere and to win six at one of the top tracks in the country is unbelievable – long may he keep doing it.

“He just seems to come alive when he’s at York, so when there’s races available for him, we’ll run in them.

“Everyone’s proud of him. From the owners to me and the whole team – Andrew Glass who looks after him and rides him and Connor, who rides him in his races.

“He doesn’t know when to lie down. He looked like he was going to get headed last week and he wouldn’t allow it. He eyeballed them, kept going and dug very, very deep.

“It’s not all been plain sailing with him from his two-year-old career – he’s had the issue with the starting-stalls and broken out when he’s been in a long time. There’s been a lot of work gone into the horse with Gary Witheford and Craig Witheford – they teamed up and helped.

“Then, of course, Carole my wife loads him in his races. It’s just a whole team effort from everybody to be fair.”

Dakota Gold must carry top weight in this Sunday’s six-furlong contest, which has a total prize fund of £50,000. But Dods is more than happy to let the horse take his chance – along with stable-mate Pendleton – in a 22-runner field.

Dods added: “He only ran last week, he’s fit. Our main thing is to make sure he’s healthy and moving well – which he is – and let him go to the races and gallop, rather than doing too much at home with him. He gets turned out every day which he loves.

“He’s not the biggest horse in the world and he’s got to carry 10st. But as I said to the owners, we just want to go there and him run well and enjoy it. We don’t expect him to go to the races and be winning every time he runs.

“So, if he can’t carry the weight, as long as he comes back safe and he’s enjoyed it and everyone’s had a good day, then that’s fine. But if he’s going to go in these handicaps off his rating he’s going to carry a big weight.”

Dods’ other representative Pendleton also has valid claims. He was third behind Dakota Gold, beaten only three-parts of a length, last time out.

The trainer assessed: “Pendleton seems well. We haven’t done a lot with him either. He seems fit and well. Dakota Gold likes slower ground but Pendleton would prefer softer ground. But the race was there and they’re both well so we thought we’d give them both a go.”

York’s latest two-day meeting starts tomorrow with the card opening at 1.40 with the William Hill Play Responsibly Handicap. Sunday’s racing has a later start-time with the first race scheduled for 3.30pm.

For tickets please call 01904 620911 x 225 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk