Todd heads south with good chances at Invercargill

By Jonny Turner 

Having roughed it with the best, Regan Todd’s three-year-olds are set for a new challenge at Ascot Park on Wednesday.

Todd has the Southern Supremacy Stakes and the Southern Oaks in his sights, with his trio out to make progress towards those goals in their Invercargill assignments.`

Stumblin In opened as the hot favourite for Wednesday’s Southern Supremacy Stakes heat after a narrow defeat in the first heat of the series.

The pacer took on top liners as a two-year-old, including Jumal, before being sent to the paddock.

Todd hoped Stumblin In could return bigger and better, and everything points to that being the case, including his last start second.

“He wasn’t quite up with those good ones last season, so we thought we would target the Supremacy instead of going towards the big races up north.”

“He has strengthened up nicely and being by Always B Miki, he has kept on improving, so he might be able to aim at those better races later on.”

While there is no Jumal in the Southern Supremacy Stakes heat on Wednesday, there is a star triallist in Cruise Maguire.

The three-year-old has had tongues wagging following a brilliant trial at Ascot Park late last month.

From barrier 8, Stumblin In must start outside the first starter, who has barrier 2.

“The preferential draw does make it tough for him but we are hoping he can go a nice race.”

“We took him home after that last heat, and he has really come on from that run.”

Todd also starts last start maiden winner Reimburst in Wednesday’s Southern Supremacy heat.

The three-year-old broke through in his last visit to Ascot Park after running fifth in the first heat of the series.

“It is a step back up for him, but he didn’t get much luck in that first heat, and he certainly didn’t disgrace himself.”

“He deserves his spot in there, and he should go an honest race.”

Todd brings Jay Jay Denario south for her three-year-old resumption on Wednesday.

The filly takes on maiden grade ahead of tackling a heat of the Southern Oaks.

“She has benefitted from a nice spell - we possibly went on a wee bit longer than we should’ve last prep chasing the two-year-old bonus.”

“But she has come back really well.”

Jay Jay Denario mixed it with smart youngsters Indulge Me and Cath last season.

Like stablemate Stumblin In, she must contend with a wide draw in barrier 7.

“This is her first run back, and she will improve, but she has trialled nicely, and she should be forward enough to go a nice race.”

Todd also lines up horses at Addington and Motukarara this week.