Punters might do a double-take when the name Craig Newitt stares out at them from the Doomben card on Saturday where the multiple Group 1-winning jockey has a well-supported book of eight rides for six different trainers.
The interstate-based hoop’s rides in Queensland are few and far between, and this visit is very much a quick-fire combination of work and pleasure for Newitt where a few winners would certainly make his trip all the more worthwhile.
And a few winners could be well within Newitt’s grasp.
Taking a lead from the betting, Newitt’s best chance could come aboard the Robert Heathcote-trained Express Payment in race 8, an Open Handicap over 1615m, with the son of Rich Enuff having saluted in two of his last three starts. He is currently a $4.60 favourite according to leading betting apps Australia.
One race earlier (race 7), She’s Exotic ($6) could also be a lively chance, that is provided she can revive close to her best form after finishing unplaced in her last two starts. She did have a run of three successive wins earlier in her career which speaks to her level of capability when she does put it all together.
If he was to have a winner beyond these two runners, Newitt will have to change hats and become a bookmaker’s friend as all six of his other rides are currently quoted at double-figure odds … and it is not out of the question that Newitt could well play a part in an upset result.
Newitt rides the $10 chance, the Barry Lockwood and Emma Jane Vincent-trained Puff ‘N Harry in race 2. Puff ‘N Harry is a last-start winner having saluted in a BM65 Handicap over 1400m at the Gold Coast last time out.
Winston Hills (race 6), at $19, is the only other Newitt runner quoted at less than $20 with Don’tdoubt The Lady (race 5), The Torque Xpress (race 3), Divakara (race 4) and Special Outcast (race 9) all being marked up at odds above $20 according to leading Australian betting sites.
