Newman takes some key drives today

Korbyn Newman is among the junior drivers who will take centre stage at Oamaru on Wednesday when taking key drives in the meeting’s feature pace.

Rookie reinsmen and reinswomen will partner the four favourites in race 7, a 2000m mobile event for pacers up to a 65 rating.

Newman takes the reins behind one of three horses his employers Robert and Jenna Dunn start in the event.

The junior driver will combine with Passion And Power, who will shoot for a hat-trick of wins.

And he thinks the filly complete the feat.

“She seems to be really loving the grass tracks, so hopefully she can get a nice, cosy trip and we should see a forward showing from her,” Newman said.

Passion And Power opened the $3.20 fixed odds favourite for race 7, ahead of her stablemates A Bettor Act ($3.60) and Jimmy Arma ($8), as well as the Steven McRae trained Swedish Franco (4.50)

“The ones to beat are probably the stablemates and Swedish Franco.”

“But I think she should be tough to roll if she gets the right run.”

Newman also drives Skidaddle in race 6, Wednesday’s junior driver’s event.

The Craig Smith trained mare galloped away in her last start at Motukarara after a solid effort at Rangiora.

Newman has the task of getting the mare away safely from the often-tricky barrier 1 spot in her 2000m standing start assignment.

If he can, the reinsman thinks the mare can run a big race.

“Hopefully I can get her away and get her as handy as possible, she would be hard to beat if I could.”

“She is getting fitter by the race, Craig has got shorteners in her after her last start.”

“Hopefully that gets us away a bit better.”

Skidaddle opened the $5.50 third favourite for race 6 behind Kowhai Shadow ($3.80) and Percy ($4.50).

Newman also has another key driving assignment this weekend, behind the in-form Mach Quillan in the junior driver’s event at Methven on Sunday.

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by Jonny Turner