Racing: Laking replaces Robinson on Titsgittin at Invercargill

Jason Laking is back aboard Titsgittin in the Invercargill Cup, the premier Southland staying event, tomorrow.

"It was the owners' call," Ross Beckett, the trainer of Titsgittin, said.

Laking rode Titsgittin to win the Clare Memorial Cup at Omakau in December, when regular rider Lance Robinson was under suspension.

Robinson has ridden Titsgittin in the majority of his races and eight of his 10 wins, including the Timaru, Ashburton and Amberley Cups.

Titsgittin finished fourth in the Wellington Cup (2400m) at his last start.

"He lightened off a wee bit after Trentham which was to be expected. He had a few days off and his work has been good since," Beckett said.

Relampago is attempting to win the race for an unprecedented third time.

He carried 52.5kg last year and has 4kg more tomorrow. He ran second to Titsgittin at Omakau and was hampered by a slipped saddle when unplaced in the Wellington Cup.

Biman, who ran Zabene close in the Dunedin Cup (2400m) this month, and Turn The Page, a fast-finishing third in the same race, are sound chances.

Laking will continue his association with Champagne Ransom in the Southland Guineas (1600m). This was a winning combination in the Dunedin Guineas (1400m) on February 6.

Our Bee Jay and The Beekeeper, who finished strongly for minor placings in the Dunedin Guineas, are again among the rivals for Champagne Ransom.

Kylie Williams has gained the mount on Our Bee Jay, trained at Ascot Park by Lisa Vaughan.

The Beekeeper is trained at Pukekohe by Richard Collett and is the mount of his son and stable apprentice Jason.

The combination won the Southland Guineas 12 months ago with Alegrio, who ran fourth in the Dunedin Guineas.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES