In Brief
- Newhart goes into Sunday without a trial.
- Devonport Cup has always been the plan for Newhart.
- Newitt confident of first-up win.
Promising middle distance galloper Newhart resumes racing in Devonport on Sunday for what connections are hoping will be a winning return.
Newhart lines up as top weight (59kg) in a strong class three handicap over 1150 metres (race 4), which is a far cry from where he is expected to end up in early January.
His trainer Leanne Gaffney confirmed the Devonport Cup over 1880 metres is one of the gelding’s main targets and that is only 6-1/2 weeks away.
“I am very happy with how Newhart is coming along, but we’ll get a better idea of where he is at after his race on Sunday,” Gaffney said.
“The Devonport Cup has been this horse’s mission for some time, so that’s where we intend to take him and this race is just a stepping stone towards that goal.”
Newhart has had only five starts for three wins and two seconds and both times he has been beaten he has given away too big a start and he is likely to be ridden quietly on Sunday.
His rider Craig Newitt is confident the gelded son of Fighting Sun can win despite not having had a trial.
“There looks to be good speed in the race so I would expect him to have one or two behind him when they settle,” Newitt said.
“I know it’s only over 1150 metres but it’s the idea; starting point for his Devonport Cup program and even though it might be a bit short, I still think he’s probably my best wining chance.”
The speed should come from Meteor Strike, Harriman and Fitzwilliam and provided one of the aforementioned leads, the tempo should be honest and if that eventuates Newhart should be able to run over the top of them.
Watch Newhart win a benchmark 64 handicap in Devonport in June.