Sodoyahavtime leads Gray's team at Invercargill today

By Jonny Turner

The timing is right for Sodoyahavtime to make a long-awaited return to racing at Ascot Park today.

The pacer hasn’t been sighted since running third in the Group 2 Kindergarten Stakes, amid a two-start campaign last year.

That looks awfully strong form for the three-year-old to bring to a maiden event and his short odds ($1.90) reflect that.

All trainer Brett Gray hopes is to see the best from the horse in race 6, the Northern Tavern Mobile Pace.

“He is a nice horse and he has shown us a bit of ability.”

“His trials haven’t been anything startling but his recent work has been pretty sharp and hopefully he shows his best at the races.”

Gray’s day starts when Connie Jaccka lines up in Saturday’s opener, the Ave Mobile Pace.

And the trainer is hopeful he can start on a good note.

“That’s the easiest field she has been in for quite a while.”

“Even though she hasn’t drawn the best, with a good, positive drive she would have to be a good chance.”

Warrior Easton is another of Gray’s horses who will carry plenty of support on Saturday.

The pacer comes into race 9 on the back of a solid fourth, where he fought on after racing wide at Winton.

“He is going well enough and it’s the best draw he has had for a while, he’s a chance.”

Timmy Turtle has been among the favourites leading into race 3 on Saturday, the Newfield Sports Bar Trot.

The trotter, named after leading reinsman Tim Williams, looks a big winning threat on the back of his strong debut at Winton last week.

“He’s a nice horse, he just got a bit of stage fright in his first start but he ran on quite well afterwards.”

“If he steps and does things right he’s a good hope.”

Gray starts another trotter in Janaka’s Delight in race 4, the Ashford Motor Lodge Mobile Trot.

The mare made a mistake in her fresh up run at Winton after trialling solidly.

“Her work has been quite good, there are a couple in that race that have been going well but she’s not far away from them.”

Pounamu also represents the Gray stable in race 7, the Ascot Park Hotel Mobile Pace.

“He’s working well and he’s not the worst at all, but he is a big boy and I do think he will be better for whatever he does on Saturday.”