28.11.21. Just a quick final update here before the annual December trip to Las Vegas and the rodeo.

SUPREME ODIN returned to action after a nineteen day break to recover from a sprained metatarsal. He looked a certainty to lead his A2 contest and so it proved. Unfortunately one of the stayers got clear in behind and his lack of a recent run told off the last bend as it was always going to do. The only way they can get and stay fit this time of the year with snow on the ground is by running. Luigi did himself great credit by finishing second, well ahead of the remainder. As Jooles confirmed, he always runs well fresh but needs that run to get him to the line. Next time hopefully.

NODUFF ARIA returned from a lay off this week and ran well in defeat. At halfway he looked certain to win but, again, the lack of a recent run proved his undoing and he also finished second. It will be interesting to see how Fred goes on Monday with that fitness edge. Also, given the management’s promise to increase the number of 630 metre races, he may eventually get another six bend race.

NODUFF BELLAGIO also returned to the track and has now run twice since her absence and course of medication. She ran on steadily but wasted many lengths at the bends. Bonnie is to be entered for a 630 metre maiden next Saturday. Let’s see if she gets in. If she doesn’t win there’s another the following week by when she should be fully tuned up!

NODUFF CAESAR is now officially retired and Bertie is waiting for his forever sofa.

NODUFF DUNES ran a blinder in D3 company last week and is rewarded with a D2 contest on Tuesday, also running from trap 3. We have no idea what to expect from Mia as she ran above all expectations last week. A clear run is what we want above all for her confidence.

NODUFF EXCALIBUR is embarking on a short break. He didn’t run as well as expected last time and Jock came off a little sore. Nothing serious but a little rest will help him.

NODUFF FLAMINGO was also rostered to trial following a short absence but came into season on the morning of the trial. Raspberry was going to trial over 630 as soon as she was fit enough but that will now have to wait!

NODUFF GRAND missed the break in search of his first win in A2 and was knocked about a little. He will have to trap better to reach A1 but still recorded two wins and a second in November! Well done Wallace.

NODUFF HACIENDA won his A2 and we were hopeful that he would go close in his first A1. As it turned out he ran a lacklustre race. Jooles reported that following Raspberry coming into season the previous day (they bunk together), Ridley had only one thing on his mand and it wasn’t racing! She’s obviously been moved now so let’s see whether he can get his mind back on the correct job next week.

CHASING LANDY finished fourth in the semi-final of the Eclipse at Nottingham and was therefore eliminated. Cooper will run a couple of minor opens at Monmore over the next few weeks to tide him over.

Finally, MUSTANG HIGHWAY raced for the third time boasting a record of two from two. He appeared to have a good chance in his A2. He was moderately away but showed good early to challenge at the bend knocking one rival out of the way. He then went head to head with the other leader right to the crown of the final bend before fading markedly. It looked like cramp as he stopped more quickly than other explanations would support. We will be watching him closely next time.

That’s it for now, another update will follow before Christmas.