Race Images Christchurch
Stumblin In’s current southern sojourn is proving to be a major confidence-boosting exercise for the mare and with financial benefits for her connections.
The Waverley galloper is unbeaten on the trip and she will shoot for a hat-trick of wins when she contests the Gary McCormick Transport & John McCormick Spraying 3 & 4YO at Ashburton on Friday.
“She’s going really well so we’re pretty happy,” part-owner and trainer Bill Thurlow said.
“We’re just taking it a race at a time with her as to how long she stays down there.”
Stumblin In made a bright start to her career last season with a win and a number of placings before injury halted the progress of the daughter of Makfi and the Gr.2 Travis Stakes winner Kew.
“She had a shadow on her knee – it was close to a fracture - so we had to ease up and give her a long break,” Thurlow said.
The four-year-old, who has also suffered immaturity issues in the last, has taken a few starts this season to hit peak fitness.
“It’s taken a while for her to come to form, but she’s there now,” Thurlow said.
“We took her down with the jumper, who has since come home, and Neill Ridley is looking after her.”
The jumper Thurlow is referring to is Tizza Secret, who finished in the money at both Wingatui and Timaru before his last-start third in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase.
“He’ll probably go back down to Christchurch – his main aim at this stage will be the Grand National,” Thurlow said. – NZ Racing Desk.