Racing: Jockey key to sprinter

Jockey Craig Newitt could hold the key to making Caulfield's Listed LT Cleary Stakes the first Melbourne stakes win for talented sprinter Diplomatic Force.

Benalla trainer Wayne Nichols has engaged the vigorous left-handed whip rider today to help straighten up the five-year-old while also adding a bit-lifter and winkers to the gelding's gear.

Diplomatic Force is a dual Adelaide stakeswinner of the Group Two Yallambee Stakes and Group Three Irwin Stakes but his waywardness cost him a winning chance last start in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Boxing Day.

"It would be nice to see him get a bit of confidence and win a good race in Melbourne like he has shown the potential to do," Nichols said.

"He hasn't won in Melbourne since he was a 2-year-old but his run last time was a lot better than it looked."

Diplomatic Force finished eighth to Here De Angels in the Christmas Stakes but Nichols said he may have troubled the winner but for ducking in behind second-placed Tramuntana.

"He wouldn't come off its heels and hung in really badly all the way up the straight," Nichols said.

He said that the gear changes and Newitt could make the difference today.

He said Diplomatic Force had never been a spring horse but he had kept him going this campaign in the hope that he would strike form.

"For some unknown reason he doesn't come up in the spring but we have persevered a bit longer this time to see where we end up with him," Nichols said.

Safe in betting at A$13 with TAB Sportsbet, he needs to run well today to back up in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on January 16.

Beltrois is A$3.80 favourite ahead of A$6.50 chances Time Matters and Marveen.

- AAP