Newitt set to miss Lightning Stakes day

Jockey Craig Newitt is set to miss the Lightning Stakes ride on Counterattack.

Newitt was suspended for careless riding at Sale on Tuesday with his ban due to start after Wednesday’s Sandown meeting.

But Newitt will be back in time for the Oakleigh Plate meeting which is slated for the return of dual Group One-winning colt Extreme Choice.

As it stands, Newitt will be able to return to the saddle on Wednesday week.

Newitt is the regular rider of Extreme Choice who is down to resume in Saturday week’s Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and the jockey was on board when the colt won a jump-out at Caulfield on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s hit-out was Extreme Choice’s second trial this campaign after he won at Cranbourne a week ago.

On Tuesday Extreme Choice had Charmed Harmony for company up on the speed in the 800m heat then quickened when Newitt asked him to extend in the final 300m.

Extreme Choice narrowly won the heat, run between the 1200m to 400m on the Caulfield course proper.

“He bounced out well, improved when asked and Craig said he had something up his sleeve,” trainer Price said.

“He’s good in the wind, and Oakleigh Plate here we come.”