A wide draw has not dented Mark Newnham’s confidence in Spirit Ridge maintaining his undefeated record over the Kingston Town Stakes course and distance.
Spirit Ridge has drawn barrier 17 for Saturday’s middle-distance feature but will jump from 14 if the emergencies don’t start.
Newnham has taken heart from the gelding’s only other starts over the 2000m Randwick circuit which yielded wins in the Summer and January Cups, both from awkward gates.
“It’s not as bad as it looks. For a big staying horse, he’s got very good gate speed,” Newnham said.
“He was able to do it in the Summer Cup when Robbie (Dolan) rode him. He drew wide, got straight across and got himself in a position within a furlong, so I’m not that worried with him. ”
Spirit Ridge will be one of five Randwick runners for Newnham, who will also saddle up progressive filly Von Trapp in the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m), Harmony Rose in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) and the speedy Marway and Lord Olympus in the final race.
Marway was a brilliant winner of the Wagga Town Plate in May before placing behind handy mare Adelong in the At Sea Handicap.
Newnham is hopeful he can make the transition to stakes company this spring but warns he might need the run first-up.
“He’s good, but he’s a bit wintery,” Newnham said.
“He’s done enough work but he needs to tidy up a bit in the coat. The other horse in it, Lord Olympus, is probably a bit more forward and looks ready, coming off a Brisbane winter.”
