THE Geoff Duryea-trained News Girl will head for a well-deserved break after running fifth at Caulfield on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jockey Lewis German was trapped three-wide for most of the trip aboard News Girl after drawing barrier 10 in the 11-horse field.
Despite the torrid trip, News Girl ($3.40-fav) still displayed her customary fighting spirit to be beaten just over 1.5-lengths.
The $100,000 Open Handicap, (1100m) was taken out by the Mick Price-trained Tavisan ($7.50).
Tavisan finished fourth behind News Girl at his previous start and was able to post an all-the-way victory on Saturday with Ben Melham aboard.
IN OTHER NEWS
Duryea said he stable star had pulled-up fine but had had enough this preparation.
"I was happy enough with her run considering how much work she had to do in the race," Duryea said.
"She is probably starting to get a little bit leg weary.
"She's definitely had enough this preparation and will spend the next couple of days at the stable before heading for a spell.
"She got back home from Melbourne this morning and has pulled-up fine.
"I'll probably give her six or eight weeks in the paddock and then bring her back for the spring."
News Girl is among the leading fancies for The Kosciousko at Randwick in the spring.
The slick sprinter is quoted as an $11-chance for the $1.3-million feature.
News Girl boasts an impressive record of five wins and four minor placing from 18-career starts and more than $300,000 in stakes.
