Dakota Gold

“There's only my daughter Sophie who rides Dakota Gold and he just does his work on his own. He's still keen at home and I said to Connor [Beasley, jockey] to just let him bowl along if he's enjoying it. We thought we'd just get away with the quick ground. He'd come on for the run - Michael Dods, trainer, speaking to Sky Sports Racing.”

“Dakota Gold loved the ground. He got headed and he fought back and he's still got that enthusiasm for it. He's tremendous. He's not as good as he was, you don't expect them to be, but he can still race to a good level. Although there were only six runners, they were six good horses and he showed a good attitude - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“Dakota Gold looks better this year than last year - I was never really happy with him in his coat. Six furlongs on good ground is perfect for him. For an eight-year-old to go and do that, he's got some heart. It's nice to see him come back and hopefully he'll go on from here - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“They were coming to Dakota Gold but he's dug deep. He's finished for the season and we'll look forward to next year. He's getting better, I think he's improving big time. He dug deep here and if you look at his 5f race at Nottingham he was impressive. He'll definitely be looking at Group races next year - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“It was a plus when Stormy Girl came out as that meant Dakota Gold could dictate it. He loves it here, I couldn't tell you why it brings out the best in him but it's a good, flat track - the best in the country. I'm not ruling out running him again on Wednesday (in a Listed race at Nottingham) but otherwise there's only the Listed race at Doncaster at the end of the season - Michael Dods, winning trainer.”

“Dakota Gold is back to his best. It's been hard for him, being rated 110 from the start of the season. We thought he was coming back to his best last time in the Great St Wilfrid. He travelled and quickened but he had 9st 10lb and the weight caught him out. He was well placed by the boss, bringing him back here. He sprung the lids and his tactical speed did the job. It was good to get him back in the winner's enclosure - Connor Beasley, jockey.”

“The soft going, five furlongs and the stiff track suited Dakota Gold. He was always in control and showed his guts by outbattling them when they came to him. We will either finish him for the season or we will have a look at the weights in the Wentworth Stakes at Doncaster next month. If that is it for the year, we've got a lot to look forward to next season - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“I would say that is another career best. Connor said Dakota Gold was in trouble when they were coming to him, but once he sensed the horses were there he picked up and he's gone away at the end. He won't run in the Ayr Gold Cup as he has another penalty. There is a Group 3 at Newbury on Ayr Gold Cup day and that's a possibility - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“We'll go for the Ayr Gold Cup rather than the Portland. Dakota Gold was 3lb well in today and only won three-quarters of a length so hopefully the handicapper won't go silly - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“Dakota Gold is improving, with another year on him he's getting the six furlongs, he has put the race to bed at halfway - he showed so much speed - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“Dakota Gold is really a five-furlong horse but the ground came right for him. He had an injury at the end of January after getting a leg caught and cutting it so it's great to see him back. Connor Beasley gets on so well with him and there aren't many as strong as Connor. I'd say he'll be back at five furlongs for the Ebor meeting but he loves this soft ground - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“Dakota Gold has been difficult as he's a bit of a hot head. He's bad in the gates and is allowed to go in last. He's been running at six furlongs and I do think that's his best trip but he's just too keen. However, I won't be altering his distance now and we'll look for another race providing the ground is not too good - Michael Dods, trainer.”

“Dakota Gold struggled to settle a bit last year but he's been dropped back to 5f and relished it there - Connor Beasley, jockey.”

“There's an engine there and Dakota Gold showed a good attitude, but he was just a bit keen and I wouldn't be frightened to go back to five furlongs - Michael Dods, trainer.”