'Bold Lad' the plan for progressive Lord Dudley Kieran Cotter landed a nice pot at Navan yesterday when Speedacus won the premier nursery under Declan McDonogh, and the Portarlington handler is looking forward to running Lord Dudley on Irish Champions Weekend. The progressive three-year-old by Pride Of Dubai got off the mark over seven furlongs at Roscommon in May and hasn’t been out of the first three in five subsequent outings, notching his second victory when making all over six at Fairyhouse in July. Owned by the long-established Kildare Racing Club which enjoyed its finest moment when Sonnyboyliston captured last month’s Sky Bet Ebor at York, Lord Dudley finished clear of the remainder when beaten half a length by Goodnight Girl just over a week ago at the Curragh. He went up another 5lb in the ratings for that near miss but the handicapper’s reaction did not displease Cotter and a return to headquarters for the opener on next Sunday’s card is the plan. “When he was second the last day we were hoping he'd win to get a penalty as we wanted to get into the 'Bold Lad'," said the trainer. “I think we'll get in around bottom-weight now (currently on 8st 5lb) and he'll go there. “It's a big pot, €125,000, and hopefully we'll get some of that. We'll take our chance and he's entitled to line up in it.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
