Riverton galloper Timy Tyler gets a big chance to return to the winner’s circle at Invercargill tomorrow.
The rugged stayer will seek his first win since October, 2015 in the Wairio Cup (2110m).
Then, the Kelvin Tyler-trained galloper was a star on the rise after winning the group 3 Winter Cup at Riverton.
Since then, though, he has been stuck in the South Island’s top grades without being able to snare a win.
In-form apprentice Brett Murray’s 3kg claim means Timy Tyler will carry the lightest weight of his entire career.
Tyler hopes that is a recipe for his horse to recapture winning form.
"He has probably forgotten how to win a race, but he gets his best chance for a long time to win," he said.
"He had a bit of weight last time and the saddle slipped, so that didn’t help him much."
Tyler is also represented in the Wairio Cup by mudlark Tilly Dunnage.
The Ascot Park track has been rated heavy through this week, so she should strike her preferred conditions. The grey will also carry just 51kg thanks for Kin Kwo’s 3kg claim.
Wild Jack looks a major player in the Wairio Cup. He will carry just 50kg courtesy of Amless Bohorun’s 4kg claim.
His stablemate, He Ain’t Heavy, gives trainer Stephen Blair-Edie a big hand in the race.
Ascot Park trainer Jo-Ann Gordon’s stable has been in hot form and she also has a two-pronged attack on the race with Shakti and The Gordonian.
Veteran sprinter Irish Excuse and northerner Zentangle come into the Wairio Cup from two completely different directions.
Irish Excuse will race over a middle distance for the first time since October 2016. Zentangle reverts back to flat racing after winning over hurdles in his previous start.
Flying Sardine heads Tyler’s chances in the open 1400m Wairio Plate.
Like Timy Tyler, the mare has the benefit of Murray’s 3kg claim.
The mare spearheads Tyler’s four-horse attack on the race.
"I would say Flying Sardine at the weights. I probably should have had her up at Riccarton last weekend. She would be the top of my list in that race."
Tyler also lines up Lochan Ora, What’s Up Alf and Shine Bright.
Ascot Park galloper Secret Power is shooting for a hat-trick of wins and looks the toughest for the Tyler quartet to beat.
