Newitt’s on track for race record
CRAIG Newitt could put himself in a league of his own among jockeys in the Newmarket Handicap history books when he rides Missrock in the time-honoured sprint at Flemington tomorrow.
Newitt shares the riding record of three Newmarket wins, having scored on Miss Andretti (2007), Shamexpress (2013) and The Quarterback (2016).
“I’ve had a bit of luck in it and Missrock looks a good chance to hopefully make it four on Saturday,” Newitt said.
Newitt turns 33 tomorrow and is no stranger to big-race success on his birthday.
He celebrated his 22nd birthday by winning the Australian Cup and Newmarket Handicap double on Pompeii Ruler and Miss Andretti.
Newitt moved back to his home state of Tasmania with his family last year for a lifestyle change and to continue his riding career but chased the mount on Missrock for tomorrow’s race in Melbourne, convinced the mare would be a genuine lightweight chance.
The Robbie Laing-trained Missrock’s recent Lightning
Stakes (1000m) third placing first-up behind Redkirk Warrior and Redzel confirmed she was on target for the Newmarket, in which she has 52kg.
“I thought she ran terrific,” said Newitt, who takes over from Damien Oliver on Missrock.
“Her lead-up trials had been terrific going into it and she was only beaten behind two of the best sprinters around.
“She did a great job to get as close as she did at weight-forage and she drops right down in the weights.”
Missrock, who has also been placed in the Goodwood at Group 1 level, is at $20 in Ladbrokes’ market, with threeyear-old Merchant Navy the $5 favourite in the field of 15.