Denton Hall News

Dods says Dakota Gold will come on for tomorrow's seasonal bow at York

STAR sprinter Dakota Gold has his long-awaited first run of the season in the listed John Smith's City Walls Stakes at York tomorrow (Saturday) with Connor Beasley in the plate as usual.

But trainer Michael Dods has warned that the evergreen seven-year-old will come on for the run, with plenty still to aim for this season.

Writing on his Facebook page, Dods said: "The gelding has obviously developed into a real star for us but he's taken time to come to hand this season.

"We have to get a run into him somewhere, so this is really a starting point for him. He'll need the run but we're happy with where he's at and he's ready to race. It's a long season and there's plenty to look forward to with him. He's always better for a couple of runs and likes it soft but the ground will be fine for him to get started."

Another stable star, Que Amoro, runs in the same race following her disappointing run in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot when too many front-runners cut their own throats and set the race up for the hold-up horses.

The flying filly, who will be ridden by regular partner Paul Mulrennan, holds entries in the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and the Group 1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August. 

Dods said: "She seems in good fettle at home and has good form at York, which is more her kind of track than Ascot."