3.10.21. An interesting week. MUSTANG HIGHWAY (pictured) had his very first trial now his paperwork has been completed. To say there is plenty of scope for improvement would be an understatement. Wilson ran very green, variously rails, middle and wide and even hit the rail at one point. To record a time of 29.28 was therefore most satisfactory and he can only improve.

SUPREME ODIN came within a fraction of achieving his first win in A2 and getting a shot at top grade. He effectively led from trap to line, closing the door on his pursuers at the third bend and only being denied in the last few strides. His time of 28.74 was his second best ever. That elusive trip to A1 is surely not far away. He goes again on Monday and will have another crack.

NODUFF ARIA continues to run with great consistency. ‘MsdBrk, Wide, Crd 1/2, FinWell’ says the racecard. Fred got up just after the line finishing second in 29.13. His reward is a downgrade back to A5 this coming Tuesday when he is likely to be a short price favourite. Fred says he’s looking forward to there being more six bend graded races on the card. The two he contested undoubtedly did him good.

NODUFF BELLAGIO literally went from first to last to win her A4. Bonnie was still last entering the last bend but finished very strongly to get up on the line. She ran very wide throughout to avoid all trouble. If only she cut the bends she would be a great deal quicker. Shes goes again on Monday then will have a few weeks break. Slightly concerned by her lack of progress, we commissioned a blood test which revealed a minor liver issue so she will commence a course of medication later this week. She could run whilst taking it but advice is to rest so that’s what she’ll do with us hoping all the while that she’ll come into season.

NODUFF CAESAR was moved into a bigger paddock this week so he could strut his stuff a bit more as he felt able to. You can view the video on this blog post. A letter arrived from GBGB towers this week wanting to know all about Bertie. When a registered dog doesn’t run or trial for four months the system issues an alert and the owner is contacted to make sure he hasn’t been retired without the necessary form being completed. This is a very worthwhile initiative aimed at making sure injured and/or retired dogs don’t end up in the wrong hands and is to be applauded.

NODUFF DUNES is now far enough out of season to start trialling again. She’s had a couple of gallops and will appear on the trial roster later this coming week. We are really excited to see Mia again.

NODUFF EXCALIBUR made the step up to four bends for the first time in the UK this week. Instead of a trial we entered him in a maiden open, not expecting a win but interested to see how he would get the trip. We were very impressed! Jock contested with the odds on favourite (and comfortably led the rest of the field) into the first bend where he was baulked. He showed pace into the back straight then checked at the sough where he has always previously stopped after sprint races. Once he realised the other dogs were continuing he knuckled down superbly and ran on again to only go down by 3.5 lengths having come to a virtual standstill! He also cramped slightly which was hardly surprising in the circumstances. Very promising indeed. Roll on his graded introduction!

NODUFF FLAMINGO went down 2.5 lengths in the third A7 of her career. The muscle man found her to have a slight stifle pull which will be treated on an ongoing basis but which doesn’t require a break. Raspberry needs the experience. She’s a February 2020 whelp who still looks a little lost in her races. She will improve.

NODUFF GRAND has now recovered fully from his soft-tissue injury when taking a tumble on 27th August. He put in a good-looking 15.60 sprint to show his wellness – not bad for a dog that relies on his finish! He should be back on the graded card this week. We are very excited and hope he can stand up all the way to the line this time.

NODUFF HACIENDA was finally cleared to race this week after his clean drug test. We entered him into a puppy open but it didn’t fill. Having ascertained that he wouldn’t get a graded outing until at least Wednesday we let him run in a maiden open instead. This was a very tough introduction for a January 20 whelp who’s never raced before. He was baulked three times as was reflected in his finishing time of 29.39 but he railed very tightly, not least when getting up the inside of the one dog at the first. He will come on a lot for the experience, especially when making his debut in a suitable grade.

CHASING LANDY put his feet up for the week in anticipation of this Tuesday’s trial at Sheffield as part of his preparation for the Steel City Cup. He will then enter a trial stakes the following week before the competition commences.