SUNDAY: December 30, 2018: “SHE is flying”.

That was Hawkesbury trainer Mitch Newman’s frank assessment of his mare Not A Sound’s form turnaround after she had made it two wins on end at Orange today.

A recent acquisition to his stable, Newman has done an outstanding job with the Pluck four-year-old.

Not A Sound ran third first-up for him at Queanbeyan on November 22 and subsequently has rattled off victories at Dubbo (1310m Benchmark 58 Handicap on December 10) and Orange.

“I took all the gear off the mare when I got her and started riding her patiently,” Newman explained afterwards.

“It’s working really well.”

The Orange meeting finished on a good note for Hawkesbury with apprentice Brandon Griffiths partnering Not A Sound ($14) in the Class 3 Handicap (1280m) after fellow apprentice Qin Yong had led most of the way in the previous race, the Benchmark 66 Handicap (2100m), on $26 outsider Unresolved for Dubbo trainer Garry Lunn.

Griffiths eased Not A Sound from her outside barrier in the eight-horse field, and whilst she settled in last place, always travelled strongly.

He began his run approaching the home turn (with a trail), took the mare to the centre of the track on straightening and she produced a brilliant burst which carried her to a convincing victory.

Such was her dominance that her rivals were left with no excuses. Westlink ($9.50) was second and High Dive ($4.40) finished third.

Newman, who clinched his third winner of the season (and Hawkesbury’s 74^th), will study the programs to give Not A Sound every chance to complete a hat-trick.

“I’m not going to rush her,” he said. “She is flying but I’ll keep her in the most suitable races we can find.”

Newman, himself a former top jockey before taking up training, also had some kind words to say about his winning rider, who has been aboard Not A Sound in all three races under the trainer’s care.

“Brandon is a young man going places,” he said. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders and rides patiently.”