Lyle eyes big day at the Valley

Lyle Hewitson is hoping to turn some “frustrating” seconds into victories when he partners Samarkand, Oriental Surprise and Exceed The Wish at Happy Valley today.

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The South African has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, saluting on nine occasions, but there is an element of ‘what could have been’, with 12 seconds and a further 11 thirds on the report card.

He rides three of those near misses at the city circuit today and Hewitsonis hoping to get back on the winning trail.

“It’s been a good start, albeit very frustrating, asa lot of the seconds I’ve had were very close,” said Hewitson. “It could be a lot better and I guess just having that competitive nature, you always seem to look at what could have been.

“Although it’s been a pleasant start, I’m hoping to turn a few of those into winners because I could be in an even better spot.”

The biggest chance on a busy night for Hewitson is undoubtedly Samarkand, who runs in the second section of the Class Four Caroline Hill Handicap (1650m) for trainer David Hayes.