IT’S a busy start to the new week with both Redcar and Newcastle racing on Monday.

Michael Dods, who has made a flying start to the turf campaign, sent out his first two-year-old runner at Redcar and One Boy didn’t disappoint, coming home in front under Tom Eaves, landing a few fancy bets in the process.

The winning handler said: “His work at home has been good, he has a good attitude and he has been quick out of the stalls. That was a nice introduction and I hope he will go on from here.”

Dods went on to saddle a double at Redcar as the consistent Oddysey took the feature handicap under Lee Topliss.

At Newcastle, Mark Johnston had an interesting looking winner of the opening two-year-old event with Pigeon Pie. Making her debut, Silvestre De Sousa drove her out to a gutsy success and looks the type to stay further in due course.

The one-mile handicap was taken by the ten-yearold The Osteopath who was produced beautifully by PJ McDonald to get up close home.

Trained by John Davies, a neighbour to Michael Dods, was delighted, saying: “I was worried about the better ground for The Osteopath, but it shows that he doesn´t need it soft which gives us a few more options.”

David Barron would also appear to have his string well forward, enjoying a fine double on the Newcastle card, courtesy of Jofranka in the five furlong handicap and Big Johnny D in the seven furlong maiden, both ridden by Graham Gibbons.

Beverley got their season underway on Wednesday and, not surprisingly, Mark Johnston was the trainer to follow, with three winners on the card.

Aryal looks a three-yearold to follow after making all in the ten furlong handicap before Vine De Nada took the two-year-old contest, both ridden by Neil Callan before Laim Jones made it a good day for the Middleham trainer when steering Ambleside to victory.

Also on the card, Tracy Waggott took the opening seller with Trust Control, who made all the running under Fredrick Tylicki.

Today is the first of the two-day Scottish National fixture at Ayr, and with valuable prize money on offer it is no surprise to see so many English trainers making the journey north of the border.

The 3:10pm race is an interesting novices’ handicap hurdle, Matthew Riley makes plenty of appeal for the inform Philip Kirby yard.

Lightly raced, the six-yearold ran out an easy winner last time out at Newcastle and looks nicely weighted for today’s race.

Auroras Encore is set to take his chance in the Coral Scottish Grand National tomorrow, despite heavy rain at Ayr on Wednesday.

Connections of the Aintree hero confirmed their intention to send a strong team, among which will be the 11-year-old who will bid to become the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to win both English and Scottish Nationals in the same season.

Trainer Sue Smith’s husband and assistant, Harvey, said: “They are all in good form and they are all going.

“It soon dries up this time of year. They are all running, no problem.”

Closer to home, with the Flat stepping up a few gears now, Thirsk get their season underway tomorrow with a seven-race card, due underway at 2:15pm and it has attracted plenty of quality entries.