Craig Newitt has had the first feel of his Caulfield Cup mount Seismos in a light workout at Werribee.
“He’s a lovely relaxed customer. He’s settled in really well,” Newitt said.
“He’s going to run well in a Caulfield Cup but it’s the big one (Melbourne Cup) in November that’s really going to suit him, especially if we can get a little bit of rain.”
Part-owned by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, Seismos was picked out by Newitt as a potential Melbourne Cup mount after his victory in the Group Three Freer Stakes at Newbury on August 16.
Newitt said he sent text messages and made numerous phone calls to syndicate manager Darren Dance regarding the ride.
“I drove him insane,” Newitt said. “I’d been watching a few of his tapes and he looks like a horse that will suit my style of riding.
“He takes a bit of riding and is a horse that 2400 metres and 3200 metres will be no trouble for.”
Dance said he had put a list of three jockeys to Botti as riders for Seismos and said Newitt secured the ride after telling Botti plenty about the horse.
Seismos is one of three horses the syndicate has in Melbourne for the spring, joining last year’s Caulfield Cup runner-up Dandino and Cox Plate hopeful Guest Of Honour.
“All our horses are in a great place, they’re fit and well and I think we’re in for a lot of fun over the next four weeks,” Dance said.
Dance said he drew inspiration from Lloyd Williams in his quest to put a Melbourne Cup in the trophy cabinet.
“It’s a very hard race to win,” Dance said.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Lloyd Williams who’s been running in these races for years and years.”