Double century up for Hewitson
NO batsman likes to hear the umpires call stumps when they are on 99, let alone 199 not out.
It inevitably results in a very restless night as they contemplate getting that single to take them to the magic next level.
Jockey Lyle Hewitson yesterday must have started wondering if that was going to be his fate as he started the day on 197 victories to his name this season.
In the card opener he steered Agrademarmalade to victory for trainer Gavin Smith, taking his personal tally of winners to 198.
Afte three consecutive runner-up finishes, it was no surprise to see this twoyear-old Duke Of Marmalade colt swagger into the winner’s enclosure, and punters will undoubtedly see him there again.
Hewitson added another single to his score, taking him to 199, in Race 5 with Imperious Duke, also for Smith.
In Race 6 Hewitson was aboard the tote favourite Mifid Two for Smith. On paper it seemed that Hewitson would face an easy, slow full toss to put away, but a feisty run by the Cliffie Miller-trained Corsage left Hewitson and Mifid Two slow out the crease and having to settle for third.
That left the champion elect jockey with the proverbial two balls left to score that one all-important run.
In Race 7 it was the Juan Nel-trained Iron Henry who took the honours, but Hewitson managed to get to the double century aboard Atkinson Grimshaw for Smith while the light-meter was already out.
It is interesting to note that three of yesterday’s winners were fresh off maiden wins. It will be interesting to see whether any of Madam Seville, Corsage or Iron Henry can go on to record a hat-trick.