Profiteer (Image: Racing Photos)
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil is to be the spring rider for flying colt Profiteer.
Craig Newitt rode Profiteer in his gallop at The Valley on Tuesday but was later informed McNeil is to be the colt's rider when he resumes with 52 kilograms in the $1 million Group 1 Moir Stakes at the track on September 24.
"There's a lot at stake and after speaking with Henry Field (Newgate Farm) and Steve Travaglia of Roll The Dice, they have decided that they want Jye McNeil, which is fine with me," said co-trainer Mick Price on Tuesday morning.
"I am no unhappy about that decision as such. I just need a jockey to be working with him in gallops and trials and just getting him going the right way.
"I need someone to work with our team and the horse and understand what how we need to get the horse going.
"I did have C. Newitt, who rode the horse this morning, but Jye McNeil will ride him in the Moir with 52kg so our Saturday and Tuesday work will now be done with Jye McNeil.
"Jye has had a gallop on the horse and he responded well for him.
"He's a good rider and Craig's a good rider, but at the end of the day, they both can't ride the horse.
"I want to give my thanks to Craig for his morning's gallop."
Profiteer is currently the $5 co-favourite for the Moir Stakes with Sportsbet, alongside Masked Crusader.
Price, who trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, said Profiteer galloped well at The Valley and coped well when another horse on the track came up behind him.
"Profiteer was not worried about that horse that went by him," he explained. "When they come up from behind, they can stir your horse up, but he was good. Nice and relaxed."