An exciting day in store for the yard at Newcastle

On what is a rare foray for the stable, there are 4 horses from Dodlands Steading making their way south to Newcastle on Saturday.

Stainsby Girl is our first opportunity in the 2m mare novices' hurdle at 2pm, this first race on the card.
On form she's the one to beat, but there will be hidden talent among the opposition as horses can improve significantly at this stage of the season.
Stuart Coltherd's Maid O'Malley is flat bred but has run a couple of promising races this season, best of which was when runner up to Queen's Magic over 2m 4f at Perth in September. This 2 mile trip would seem to suit her more.

Donald McCain's Bright Side Oflife was running well last time at Kelso but was pulled up after a bad mistake 3 out. Previously, was only beaten 8 lengths behind Glorious Lady. Sure to improve.

It's just over 2 weeks since Stainsby Girl's last run when runner up to the useful Miah Grace at Doncaster. While she seems fresh and well at home, it is hoped that this race doesn't come too soon.
Ah well, we'll soon find out.

Stainsby Girl

Keyboard Gangster has the ability to win a race such as the Class 3 2m handicap hurdle at 3.10, but he showed us that he badly needed the outing last time at Wetherby on 2nd March.  In that race he was well placed until after 4 out, lost some ground then ran on again over the last couple.

He's up against a few in-form horses here, and a couple of others who are relatively inexperienced over hurdles but have shown progressive form.
Thor De Cerisy and Oscar's Leader are in-form, improving types while Scorched Earth and Roar fall into the latter category.

Keyboard Gangster is tumbling down the weights and is a relatively lightly-raced 9 year old. We hope he can get competitive here.

Keyboard Gangster (Georgina) leads Our Elsie and Honda Fifty

Big Bad Dream takes a drop back in trip in the 4.55, a handicap hurdle over an extended 2m 4f. A class 4 0-120 race, the Mountain High gelding will have first time blinkers fitted. Let's hope this rekindles his enthusiasm.
It's a tight handicap with a couple of others (Carrigmoorna Matt, Do Not Disturb) like our lad having a bit to prove on recent form.
Micky Hammond's ex-French chase winner Burdigala has only his second run in this country, the first being 16 months ago so whether his handicap mark of 112 makes him competitive is anyone's guess.

But there are 3 in-form types who'll be fancied to be challenging at the finish. Thomson's progressive Overcourt won a soft race at Musselburgh last time but may have been underestimated by the handicapper as a result.
In his two most recent runs over 2 miles, Sue Smith's Kauto d'Amour has run like he would be suited by an extra 4 furlongs. He has been running well though.
Donald McCain runs his useful chaser Federici, who led all the way at Sedgefield last time. That was his second run after a wind operation. The 11 year old may well improve on that run and be hard to beat here.

Big Bad Dream (Pinky) alongside Paper Roses (Rebecca)

The day may not see huge fields but the closing race - a 2 mile NH Flat race with 8 runner - looks another heat to be well fought out.
Setting the standard is Ellison's course All Weather bumper winner Tupelo Mississippi. He was impressive there after a couple of promising efforts but the 7lb penalty for a win can often be hard to carry.
Fresh from saddling 6 winners at Cheltenham, Gordon Elliott sends over the progressive Getaboy with Jamie Codd picking up the ride on the way home. He has been a wee bit outpaced during his races but finishes well.
Ruth Jefferson runs her staying jumps prospect Onward Route who had a nice introduction when runner up at Musselburgh in mid February, and Nicky Richard's introduces Murvagh Beach who hails from a family containing several bumper winners.

So what of Lady Villanelle? The Shantou mare delighted us with her run at Kelso at the end of January when 4 length second to the impressive winner Manorbank (subsequently sold for £80k). The weight allowance she receives here should make her competitive, but really we're looking for another run to bring her on in experience terms.

Lady Villanelle tracks last week's heroine Baby Ticker

An exciting day for connections and us all at Dodlands. It would be nice to taste success but sometimes that can be out with our control.
So, fingers crossed for good runs from the quartet, and that everyone enjoys the day at the races.