Whyte's work pays off on New Vision
Champion Douglas Whyte had a rare 'light' day in the saddle, but it didn't stop him chalking up another winner as he continued the education of the Paul O'Sullivan-trained New Vision.
Whyte has spent plenty of time on the son of Bertolini, including his two previous races, and was able to turn up fresh for New Vision as just his first mount for the afternoon after having no ride in the first three events.
New Vision was able to put behind him any memories of his defeat as favourite last start and the four-year-old appreciated a step up from 1,200m to 1,600m to scramble home narrowly over Super Gentleman.
'He's just a very raw animal at the moment,' said O'Sullivan, who is starting to turn around a particularly slow start to the season. 'I think he's a horse who is going to keep improving with experience and the extra trip was a help. Maybe he'll want a set of blinkers on him at some stage, and maybe that stage is not too far off, but I might give him one more without them and then see.'
Despite drawing barrier one, New Vision wasn't necessarily at any advantage because of it, after losing his position badly in running last time when crowded for room and uncomfortable between horses, but he had learned from that experience.
'He never travelled at all in the run again and he just wanted to throw the race away in the straight,' said Whyte. 'But he has taken a lot away from his last run when he got smothered up and lost his place on the turn. Today, even though he had to be bustled up between horses again, he didn't throw in the towel like he did last time and he's coming along. He is definitely wanting blinkers - Paul has been hesitant to put them on too early, but New Vision is going to be better for having them.'
