Young gun Jett ready for lift-off at Grafton

A dream start to a career as a jockey for Jett Newman is poised to continue at Grafton on Tuesday when she combines with new boss Matthew Dunn for a couple of rides.

The 17-year-old Newman, a daughter of former jockey Mitch Newman, had her first race rides, both for Dunn, at Murwillumbah on Sunday, finishing second on Torque Of Dreams before winning on Without Parallel at just her second ride.

“It was a great way to start,” Newman said. “I’ve only been with Matt Dunn at Murwillumbah for a couple of weeks, but it’s been great so far. He’s giving me opportunities and it’s up to me to take advantage of them now.”

Newman originally had four rides for Dunn at Grafton, however Lubrication has been scratched from the final event and Moscow Circus is not expected to run, having contested a trial after the last race at Murwillumbah on Sunday.

That leaves Guru Class in the Exclusive Trophies Benchmark 58 Handicap – Heat Of The Rising Star (1006m) and Foo Fighter in the Causley Wholesale Maiden Plate (1560m) as Newman’s remaining mounts.

“Guru Class has a good record and her latest trial at the Gold Coast was OK,” said Newman. “The four-kilogram claim should help her, and she is a first-up winner, so she should run well.”

Foo Fighter was placed at Lismore two starts ago and then was close-up when fourth at Grafton at his latest run.

“He’s been working well, and the claim should really help him too,” said Newman. “He’s going well and can run a good race.”

Newman has had a solid grounding to get her ready for her race riding career.