The Quarterback wins Newmarket Handicap
Robbie Griffiths has trained his first Group One winner with The Quarterback scoring an upset victory in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
“If ever there was a bloke who deserved a Group One, it is Robbie Griffiths. I couldn’t be happier,” jockey Craig Newitt said.
The Quarterback ($21) came from last and joined in late to beat Black Heart Bart ($16) with the favourite Chautauqua ($2.45) finishing in the minor placing on Saturday.
Newitt has now ridden three Newmarket Handicap winners.
Griffiths said he was confident The Quarterback would perform better than his odds indicated.
“He’s had a beautiful preparation and he reeled off amazing sectionals in the Oakleigh Plate,” Griffiths said.
“His work Tuesday morning was first-class and the question was if he could just get past the grey horse (Chautauqua).”
Chris Waller’s representation was reduced to two runners after Counterattack threw jockey Glen Boss on the way to the barrier and had to be scratched.