Newtown Bluebag claims Highway Handicap

Newtown Bluebag has won the Highway Handicap at Randwick for trainers Emma and Lucy Longmire.

Newtown Bluebag has nailed a Highway Handicap at his second attempt for Goulburn trainers Emma and Lucy Longmire.

The five-year-old set down a marker for Saturday’s 1600m-race at Randwick with a game second to Itsa Fait Accompli in his first Highway Handicap at Warwick Farm on December 23.

“He was in a beautiful position, right where we wanted him to be. He tracked into it beautifully,” Emma Longmire said.

“It was a huge run at Warwick Farm and he’s come through that run super, obviously.”

Newtown Bluebag ($6.60) pulled clear at the 50m to hit the line half-a-length clear of Fastquest ($31) with Fui San ($7) a short neck third.

Jockey Blaike McDougall was not surprised by Newtown Bluebag’s win after riding him at Warwick Farm.

“He sort of put the writing on the wall last start didn’t he?” McDougall said.

“He didn’t make my job real easy. He wanted to lay in a substantial amount but luckily he was the best horse in the race.”

It was a second Highway win for Emma Longmire with Thunder Road successful in June 2016 before the twins formed a training partnership last year.