Newitt Steers A True Course
The Age
Tuesday February 14, 2006
SUCH is the roll that comeback jockey Craig Newitt is on at the moment, he was able to go where other jockeys refused, winning yesterday's $400,000 Hobart Cup (2200m) at Elwick on the Ballarat-trained True Courser.
In 10 races at Elwick on Saturday and 10 yesterday, most riders avoided the five metres of ground nearest the inside rail as if it were quicksand.Nearing the home turn in the Hobart Cup, True Courser, carrying 57.5 kilograms, was near last in the field of 17, with most of his rivals heading wide.Newitt realised it would take a miracle to get through the field, so decided his only option was to take the shortest way home, along the inside.Instead of becoming bogged down, Newitt saved at least 10 lengths on True Courser, who burst to the lead inside the 200 metres.True Courser ($5.50) won by a length-and-a-half from Di's Angel ($31), with Petite Oiseau ($8) a short neck away third. The $3.70 favourite Tommifrancs finished sixth after having a chequered run in the straight.Trainer Darren Weir gave all credit to Newitt, who finished his triumphal return to his home town with a treble, and said True Courser would contest the $300,000 Launceston Cup (2400m) tomorrow week.? Saturday's $405,000 group 1 weight-for-age Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley has attracted 19 entries, including Takeover Target, Jet Spur and Stratum, who will all gallop at the track this morning.Owner-trainer Joe Janiak is concerned about Takeover Target handling the Valley and will be guided by jockey Jay Ford on whether he should be kept for the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield the following week.
© 2006 The Age
