Jimmy Newob registered his second group win as many starts with a thrilling victory in the group 3 Easter Gift at Sandown Park last night.
In a race that changed complexion several times in running, the popular blue dog worked to the lead down the back straight and prevailed in a frantic run to the line that saw the first six runners over the line separated by less than two lengths.
Jackie Greenough handled the winner on behalf of her husband Kelvyn, and while the race didn’t go exactly as she hoped, she was nonetheless delighted with Jimmy Newob’s performance.
“I was a little worried when he went around the first corner. I thought he could lead but he came out a little awkward,” she said.
“I’d like him to come out a little better than he did, but he did well. He’s not the strongest of dogs but he tries his best.”
Greenough revealed after the race that the Easter Gift, being run at group 3 level for the first time, was not the original plan for Jimmy Newob. Rather, he was set to tackle the group 2 Maitland Cup before a change of heart saw him line up in the Sandown feature and claim the $25,000 winner’s cheque.
Jimmy Newob arrived in Greenough’s Pearcedale kennel in December and has been placed in all nine stars including five group race finals. He has now won 21 of his 45 starts and over $232,000 in prize money. He is now likely to be set for the Warrnambool Cup in May.
The runner up in the Easter Gift, Extreme Magic, turned in one of the biggest runs of 2018 by coming from last off the back straight around 10 lengths from the leader to be beaten by just a nose on the line.
Later in the evening, Beast Unleashed showed why he is regarded as one of the country’s most exciting young chasers by claiming the $210,000 group 2 Launching Pad final.
Click here for full results from last night’s meeting.
Jimmy Newob prevails in a thrilling finish to the Easter Gift
