Laking back on Titsgittin tomorrow

Jason Laking is back aboard Titsgittin in the Invercargill Cup tomorrow at the request of the owners.

"It was the owner's 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.

Beckett is attempting to bridge a 21-year gap when he saddles Titsgittin.

Beckett won the 1989 Invercargill Cup with Sovereign Court when the race was run at Riverton and he was training at the Riverton track.

Ross began a family association with the race.

His late father, Ces, trained the 1995 Invercargill Cup winner, Ed, and brother Tommy won with Uncle in 2000.

Ross has been based at Riccarton for the past seven years.

Titsgittin has measured up over 2000m this season with success in the Clare Cup under 58kg.

Sovereign Court was only a 4yr-old when he won the Invercargill Cup with 49.5kg.

Titsgittin, a 6yr-old, has top weight of 59.5kg.

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.

He was hampered by a slipped saddle when unplaced in the Wellington Cup.

Daniel Bothamley has the mount.

Jan Cameron rode Relampago last year and Ashlee Mundy rode the gelding in 2008.

His trainers Ben and Sally Gordon won six races at Ascot Park eight days ago.