In the aftermath of Sghirripa's impressive victory in the Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington, jockey Craig Newitt presented a straightforward solution for the connections of the South Australian sprinter.
The horse, under Newitt's guidance, delivered a dominating performance, prompting discussions about potential targets like the Oakleigh Plate or Newmarket Handicap.
Newitt, however, suggested a simple approach, saying, “Why don't they run in both? I actually thought mid-race because I was that confident that far out, I'd give him a test over the 1200 metres.
“He's obviously a really good short-course horse, but I exposed him early, and the last 300 metres, he was dead-set floating around and waiting for the competition.
“I don't think I got anywhere near the bottom of him. We'll take it one step at a time, but he's pretty exciting.”
2024 Standish Handicap Replay – Sghirripa
The Group 3 victory, worth $250,000, marked a significant achievement for trainers Shane and Cassie Oxlade, based in Woodchester, near Strathalbyn in South Australia. Shane Oxlade expressed his excitement, stating, “It's the top of the tree obviously. I've been lucky enough to win a couple of Group 3's at home, and they are really good races, but to have a horse as good as this bloke.
“I've said for a while this is the best horse I've had and he just keeps lifting the bar and keeps going.
“He was super today. He's always been a sensible horse and does everything you ask him to do.”
Sghirripa secured the victory with a comfortable three-length margin over Crosshaven ($8) and Curran ($8), with The Astrologist, the best-performed horse in the field, finishing fifth. The Oxlade's and Newitt are now contemplating the next steps for the rising sprint star.