Apprentice Lyle Hewitson is the talking apprentice in the South African riding ranks and he gets the opportunity to boot home his first winner around the turn at Greyville today. He rides the smart Kahal gelding Flyfirstclass for Craig Eudey in the jackpot opener.
Flyfirstclass must have a big chance here
Hewitson rode the second winner of his professional career at Fairview on Monday, when Chasing Angels scooted home to win the last.
It is difficult to recall when last a new race-riding appie has attracted the amount of attention that has greeted the young man who only joined the SA Jockey Academy in January, and only had his first professional ride in the month of March.
Lyle Hewitson
The former champion workrider rode his first professional winner on Blizzard Belle at Fairview on 18 March in an emotional moment for the family – his Dad Carl is assistant to trainer Yvette Bremner and is also part owner of the SA 1000m record holding filly.
All races are around the turn at Greyville and there was some consternation and puzzlement recently when Lyle was not allowed to ride at the Durban City venue.
“Lyle has now fulfilled his qualifying rides and is allowed to ride experienced horses around the turn – by ‘experienced’ we refer to a horse that has run a minimum of three times,” confirmed NHA KZN Stipe Derk Anderson on enquiry.
Hewitson looks full value for his 4kg claim and although the gulf between workriders and jockeys is an enormous one, it can only be a matter of time before he starts reeling in the winners with regularity.
Flyfirstclass certainly presents him with a great opportunity in the MR 96 Handicap/ The 6yo is carded as topweight and carries 60,5kgs as the class runner in the field of eight.
He beat July winner Power King on the turf four runs back and has won over 200m further on the polytrack.
He is known to be a fellow with problems, but on best form to the likes of Ice Machine, must be a serious runner at best.
Cutting Edge – will strip fit and was unlucky last time
His biggest threat could be Dennis Bosch’ Cutting Edge, a consistent 3yo son of A P Answer, who was desperately unlucky last time to find the rampant Royal Armour in a galloping mood.
Cutting Edge moved up like a winner there and with Anthony Delpech retaining the ride, he looks ready to win his third race.
Brian Wiid – saddles National Key
Brian Wiid, who enjoyed a terrific feature success with Bankable Teddy on Saturday, travels again with the smart 6yo National Key, who jumps from a decent gate in the hands of the improving Keagan De Melo.
The son of National Assembly is very effective over the course and distance and may have just found the mile a touch too far when hanging under pressure late in the race and beaten 0,35 length in a blanket finish behind Mumsy’s Jet.
The gallant Mr Whatever has similar mileage on the clock to the Eudey topweight and is never too far off – while not looking like he can win again too soon. Tristan Godden takes 2,5kgs off his back and he can be expect to box for a place again.
Former PE galloper Insearchofthesun showed pace and won well against lesser last time.
That was on the Greyville turf and his first success since his relocation. Warren Kennedy takes the reins again.
Sean Tarry’s Silence Descends registered his last win over Wednesday’s track and trip but this is much tougher and only his lightweight of 50kg appeals.
He is 2,5kgs better off with National Key but has 3 lengths to make up on their last meeting.
Charles Laird’s lightly raced top-form is a course and distance maiden winner and may need it after 13 weeks off.
Bill Human pays a visit with his seasoned mare Caribbean Bay who brings her Kimberley form into equation here. She could be anything but has some big guns to silence.
Cutting Edge and his senior Flyfirstclass look set to do battle with the superbly consistent National Key a likely joker in the pack.
