Todd aiming for “special” win with Mo’unga

Regan Todd would love to see a stoic, Southland approach when Mo’unga (Bettor’s Delight) tackles the Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup today.

Todd heads back to his home province hoping his incredible spring and summer can continue, having already bagged two Group 1 harness racing titles with his star two-year-old Marketplace.

“It would be special to be able to come home and win this race,” Todd said.

“I saw Krug win when it was first run as a Group 1 and the whole atmosphere on track was incredible.”

“There was a great crowd and they clapped the horse as he came back into the birdcage.”

“The club and everyone has done a great job with this day and it’s important for the game down here that it’s a success.”

“Hopefully there is another great crowd this year and the weather plays ball.”

Mo’unga is as flashy and brilliant as any of today’s Invercargill Cup aspirants.

While Todd is hopeful his pacer can show his brilliance in winning the race, he’s also hopeful the pacer can take a steady approach, especially early in the event.

Mo’unga galloped away in his last standing start in the New Zealand Cup before recovering to run sixth.

So, his first mission is to get away cleanly from his 10m Invercargill Cup handicap for driver Robbie Close.

“He doesn’t need to go out there and begin like a rocket, if he could get away slowly but safely that would be enough,” Todd said, “it is all about getting it right and I think he can.”

Todd is more concerned about what happens after the start of Friday’s feature.

From 10m, the tactics used with those horses off the front line will have a big impact on Mo’unga.

“It is not going to be easy from the 10m because no matter how well you get away you are going to be at the back of the field.”

“You would think one or two of the better front-makers would want to run them along a bit.”

“Hopefully that could play into our hands, it will depend on how the race is run, but it definitely won’t be easy.”

While Todd can’t control the race tempo or the start of the Invercargill Cup, he couldn’t be happier with the factors within his reach.

“The horse is very well, he has actually come on since his win at Addington last week.”

“I couldn’t be happier with him really.”

Todd also brings Lakelsa south for Invercargill Cup Day to compete in the Diamond Creek Farm/ SBSR Robin Dundee Crown for mares.

The trainer has also been thrilled with the horse’s work leading into her trip south.

“She has been working super, she’s got a wide draw but she has got gate speed so she should have a few options.”

Robbie Close will also link up with Lakelsa.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand