Newport Spot On For Cox Stakes
- Friday, 18 December 2009 00:45
Perry could not be happier with Newport who is having his first start since an unlucky Melbourne Spring Carnival, where he was sixth to Scenic Shot in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes and a close-up 10th in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup, on both occasions suffering interference at a crucial stage.
"I think he can near win the race." Perry told perthracing.com.au.
"He has not raced since early November, so you know he will improve with this run and be spot on in the Perth Cup, but I would not be surprised to see him win."
The last time Newport tasted success was at Randwick in March, in the Group 3 Randwick City (2000m), where he carried 58.5kg under handicap conditions and flashed home to score.
"We are aware he faces opposition, who are rock-hard fit, but he has missed no work since the Melbourne Cup and outside Scenic Shot, there are not many in the race that should be so close to him at the weights." Perry said.
Shannon is deputising for his father Paul and the Perry travelling road show rarely misses when they embark on an interstate carnival.
Top Perry prepared horses such as Bezeal Bay, Dantelah, Notoire, Matter Of Honour, Kbenjar and Newport have all returned to Newcastle with cross border silverware.
Leading Victorian rider Brad Rawiller has been booked to ride Newport in the Landscape Development CB Cox Stakes, as well as comeback galloper Vizard in the RS Crawford Stakes.
Picture - SportpixMedia Release - Perth Racing
