Jumal to have change of driver

Jumal (Downbytheseaside) will be driven by Blair Orange who replaces his usual driver Sam Ottley, for his upcoming tilt at the Northern Derby.

“I have talked to her about it. She’s been super professional. I’m still going to support her but just not with him at the minute,” said trainer Steven Reid.

Jumal had a tough trip in his last race but Reid is happy with the way he’s recovered.

“He’s actually come through it better than I would have hoped. But at the same time, you’re probably not going to know until he steps out on the night. He flies up to Auckland Tuesday week. It’ll be the same as last time.”

Reid says Jumal appears to operate well fresh, which will be in his favour.

“I thought on the first night in Auckland that he was probably going to need the run but he came out and went 2-39 home in 56. You could possibly argue that he wasn’t as sharp in the Harness Million.”

Reid had planned to take Jumal to Addington on Friday to give him a run prior to the races but that plan has changed.

“I think I’ll just take him to Rangiora on Friday morning. I’m going to work him the Auckland way.”

He’s also keeping a close eye on some of Jumal’s possible rivals in the Northern Derby.

“I watched the three year old race the other night at Cambridge and while we have our issues, I think some of the other better three year olds have got issues too.”

The $200,000 G1 Northern Derby will be run over 2700 metres and Reid says he hopes Jumal gets a second line draw.

“I think drawing handy or drawing off the front isn’t going to do us any favours. I’ve said for a long long time that he’s such a quick horse he’s better coming off a helmet. I know it’s a Group One and we want to win it, but it’s a bit of a learning curve for Blair to get a feel for the horse. When we get home we’ve got the Sires’ Stakes Semi Final, then the Final a week later. I think he’s come through the race great and I think he’s the best three year old. I hope things will pan out good.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink