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With recent district victories proving Par Avion is well above average, the Tuncurry-trained mare is poised to continue her winning record in the Steeline Port Macquarie Class 3 Handicap at the circuit on Saturday.
With a record of three wins from eight overall runs, the daughter of Shamus Award recently made a compelling case for consideration in the $1.3 million The Kosciuszko to be run at Royal Randwick next Saturday.
This was easy to understand following a dominant victory at Coffs Harbour in July followed by comprehensive winning performances at Taree on rain-affected ground.
With the Port track providing plenty of cushion, Par Avion [pictured left] looks suited by the assignment with her pattern of racing indicating the extra 100m will not prove to be an obstacle.
Terry Evans could have a potential star in his stable and the application of blinkers before the maiden breakthrough at Coffs looks to have greatly assisted in his preparation of the mare.
This gear change was suggested by Terry's great friend, Shane Meaney, who has a wonderful knowledge of racing and worked in the industry over many years before his recent retirement as Racing Manager of the state's governing body.
There is plenty of pressure on Evans as Par Avion is part-owned by two of the sport's finest photographers, Steve Hart and Mark Bradley, and both will be following the performance of the exciting mare closely on Saturday.
The clash with Lord Avatar should provide a wonderful highlight to the meeting with the Jenny Graham trained gelding running Par Avion to a half-length margin when they met at Taree a month ago.
The son of Poet's Voice was responsible for a solid victory over Monti Di Rose prior to that outing and does present with a weight advantage for Saturday's rematch.
With the program featuring massive final acceptances, Laphroaig has bright prospects in the Long May We Play Benchmark 58 Handicap and is poised to provide Paul Shailor with his victory as an independent trainer after relocating to the district following a successful career as Queensland supervisor to Chris Waller.
Named after a fine malt whiskey, Laphroaig came from well back and worked to the post stylishly at his recent appearance when a gallant second behind Auvergne and will relish the increased distance for the assignment.
With Covid 19 restrictions continuing in the short term, NSW race meetings, barrier trials, trackwork and licensed premises are restricted to Essential Personnel only until further notice. Owners, members, and the general public will not be permitted to attend the Port Racing Complex with the club hopeful for a relaxation of these regulations as the state approaches required vaccination levels.
Fine weather in the days leading up to the carnival should ensure the track will be in the good range with a lush covering of grass giving horses every chance of success. The meeting continues a wonderful association with Steeline and races on the program are also named to acknowledge the support provided by Tabcorp, Gemlife Rainbow Beach, Carlton Dry and Schweppes.
Punters are urged to support the second day of the carnival and will be able to follow all the action of the local card together with full coverage of Spring Championships Day at Randwick and corresponding meetings around Australia through the screens of Sky Racing with comprehensive wagering facilities available.
SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 1.56pm TAB VENUE MODE MAIDEN HCP (1500M): 1 Ting Tong, 5 Leading Lady, 6 Another Sonette
Race 2 – 2.31pm SCHWEPPES MAIDEN PLATE (1000M): 9 Sharkim, 3 Not Taking It, 5 Vivaliscious
Race 3 – 3.06pm CARLTON DRY CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (1800M): 2 Coolmeans, 13 Swing the Tide, 1 Calaveras
Race 4 – 3.46pm LONG MAY WE PLAY BENCHMARK 58 HCP (2000M): 1 Laphroaig, 3 Coogee Bay, 5 Honovi
Race 5 – 4.26pm GEMLIFE RAINBOW BEACH CLASS 1 HCP (1000M): 9 Dawntillarvi, 1 Mr Pointer, 3 Flying Euros
Race 6 – 5.06pm STEELINE PORT MACQUARIE CLASS 3 HCP (1500M): 3 Par Avion, 5 Lord Avatar, 2 Invictus Felix
Race 7 – 5.41pm STEELINE MID NORTH COAST BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1200M): 5 Admiral Ash, 7 Apache Blue, 3 Dodecanese
