Denton Hall News

Arapaho Gold poised for step up in class after making it two out of two at Thirsk

MICHAEL Dods is planning a step up in class for unbeaten two-year-old Arapaho Gold after his impressive win at Thirsk today.

The son of Bayside Boy runs in the Doug Graham colours that have been carried with distinction by the likes of back-to-back Stewards’ Cup winner Commanche Falls and prolific sprinter Dakota Gold.

Arapaho Gold had won easily on his debut at Thirsk in May before having to be withdrawn after an incident in the stalls when expected to win at Beverley next time out.

He got back on track today in Division Two of the British EBF restricted Novice Stakes and the win under Connor Beasley was just as easy as his debut.

Interviewed by Racing TV after the six furlongs race, Dods said: “He reared up at Beverley, got a leg over, and I think he’d have taken a bit of beating, so that scuppered all the plans I had going forward.”

The County Durham trainer credited equine behaviour specialist Craig Witherford with doing a lot of work with the horse to make sure he behaved this time.

“Hopefully, we can look for some better races now. He was impressive – he’d done more at home to be honest. He’s always looked pretty decent and I think he’s a fair horse going forward,” added Dods.

Dods revealed that before the Beverley mishap, he’d been planning to send Arapaho Gold to Royal Ascot for the listed Windsor Castle Stakes.

Asked by Racing TV presenter Chris Dixon if Glorious Goodwood might now be on the cards, Dods replied: “I’ll see what Doug thinks about going to Goodwood but he needs to be stepping up in class.

“Six furlongs suited him well. He was just a bit keen but once he dropped his head it was just an exercise bit of work really.”

Division One of the British EBF Restricted Novice Stakes was won by Kevin Ryan’s Kodiak Breeze, who was second to Arapaho Gold when both made their debuts, so the form looks solid.