Beverley Races : Angel Delight For Dods

Beverley Races : Angel Delight For Dods

Darlington trainer Michael Dods remains energised by what the future holds for last month’s Hilary Needler Trophy winner at Beverley, Easton Angel.

The two-year-old filly gave Beverley’s prestigious sprint a huge boost when she finished second to the giant American horse, Acapulco, in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal on Wednesday.

Dods on Thursday morning reported Easton Angel, jointly-owned by Al Shaqab Racing and Ripon resident Ritchie Fiddes, to have taken those sizeable exertions within her stride.

“It was a great day and I was very proud of her,” the Co Durham handler told .

“I thought she’d run very well, and she did. It was just a pity we came up against that big American horse.

“We gave her (Acapulco) a race, though, and she’s come out of it OK, so that’s the main thing.

“The Hilary Needler was an ideal race before Ascot, so I’m really happy things have worked out, even though we’d obviously have liked to have won.”

Plans remain fluid for Easton Angel, who still holds an entry in the Weatherbys Super Sprint at on July 18.

Connections are, however, convinced the daughter of Dark Angel will get farther than the Queen Mary trip of five furlongs.

Dods said: “You can rule nothing out, but I need to sit down after Ascot to talk to Harry Herbert (racing manager for Al Shaqab) and Ritchie.

“It’s a nice problem to have, especially as we don’t think she’ll have any problems getting six furlongs.”

The Denton Hall trainer was speaking ahead of the meeting at Beverley on Tuesday afternoon.

Dods could again be represented on the next week by young colt Causey Arch, who holds an entry in the opening seven-and-a-half-furlong maiden.

“It depends on the ground, as he’d only run if it was good,” said the trainer.

“We’ve always liked him. He got off to a nice start at Ayr, when he was a bit green but stayed on nicely.

“He needs a trip, though, so stepping him up in distance is what he wants.

“The track should also suit him nicely.”

Beverley’s seven-race card is due to begin at 2.15pm, with the official going described as good, good to firm in places.

The feature race at the meeting is the mile-and-a-quarter Racing UK Anywhere Available Now Handicap (3.15), won last year by the Mark Johnston-trained Aryal.



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