Newhart brilliant winner of $100,000 Thomas Lyons at Elwick

Dual Devonport Cup winner Newhart showed his versatility with a runaway 3-3-/4 len win in the $100,000 Thomas Lyons over 1400m, leaving star mare Mystic Journey in his wake.

However Deroche missed a place as $1.35 favourite in the $150,000 Bow Mistress and Eastender finished a distant last in the Hobart Cup.

Both horses were eased down by Craig Newitt in the home straight.

Gaffney said that Deroche may have hit a shifty patch on the track.

"Craig said her action didn't feel right after that so he eased her down," the trainer said.

"She's pulled up very scratchy so she'll have x-rays tomorrow morning to see whether there's a problem."

There was certainly no problem with Newhart who settled off the pace but in front of Mystic Journey who was slow to begin.

The $1.20 favourite, backed in from $1.50, never looked like catching Newhart from that point.

"He was quite scintillating," Newitt said. "He got into a good rhythm and travelled really good then, at the top of the straight, he dropped a gear and disappeared."

Newitt said Newhart's connections deserved credit for listening to advice.

"They had a few people trying to tell them to go to the Hobart and Launceston Cups but I reckon 1800m is his limit," the jockey said.

"He showed today, on the fresh side over 1400m, just how good he is.

"He's got a lot better wins in store."

Gaffney said Newhart would have his next start in the $100,000 Mowbray Stakes (1600m) on Launceston Cup Day.

STAR FILLY Hela maintained her unbeaten record with a totally dominant all-the-way win in the $100,000 Strutt Stakes.

"She's a serious horse and there are exciting times ahead," said trainer Scott Brunton.

But probably not for a while. Brunton confirmed Hela would not go on to the Tasmanian Oaks. "We're done - that it's, she's going to paddock," he said.