Racing: Ready to salute at Timaru

Photo / Thinkstock

Timing can be everything in racing and Captain Todd's appears to be spot on as he warms to the defence of his Timaru Cup title at the Phar Lap Raceway today.

The Captain Rio gelding has followed a similar programme to 12 months ago, which resulted in his defeat of the smart performer The Solitaire in the Coupland's Bakeries-sponsored feature.

"He's coming right at the right time," co-trainer Michael Stokes said. "He was in good company at the cup meeting at Riccarton and raced without a lot of luck there.

"He's got back to more like his grade now. We're really pleased with him and he was only just beaten last time out."

Captain Todd finished runner-up to Emerald Queen at his most recent appearance at Riccarton and the only concern his connections have are the track conditions.

"A Dead 4 or 6 would be perfect and if it got to a Soft 7 or 9 it could get a bit tricky, but they've all got to get through it," Stokes said.

"We might then take him to Wellington and possibly have another go at the Trentham Stakes or we could wait for the Dunedin Cup.

"There's also the choice of the White Robe Lodge Stakes."

Unsuited when ridden in front when unplaced in the Wellington race earlier this year, Captain Todd will again be partnered on Saturday by apprentice Matthew Cropp.

"It was a good ride on him last time out and Matthew has been doing really well since he came down south," Stokes said.

"We're happy to have him on."

The obvious danger to Captain Todd looms as the in-form mare Arietta, who has won her past three starts for John and Karen Parsons, including a first black type success in the Canterbury Breeders' Stakes.

Ric O'Shea, the mount of Jamie Bullard, has been prepared for this race and is a trifecta include.

- NZ Racing Desk