3 minute read
With a recent training double at the circuit under his belt, Paul Shailer is poised to continue the success with Swing the Tide and Laphroaig drawn to dominate the Graham and David Wicks Class 1 and Maiden Plate at Port Macquarie on Sunday.
After relocating to the district following a successful association with the Chris Waller stable, it wasn't long before Shailer progressed to the winner's circle on day two of the cup carnival with Swing the Tide scoring a comprehensive victory before Relucent staved off the challenge of Lord Avatar to record victory later in the day.
Ben Looker was responsible for a positive ride on Swing The Tide with the chestnut mare rewarded for consistency since arriving from New Zealand with a dominant victory by over three lengths.
It is significant that Looker has again been engaged to ride the flashy chestnut mare with the association looking set to dominate the event with Laphroaig ready to provide the stable with a live chance to figure in the placings.
The Vancouver gelding came from near the tail of the field before making up many lengths over the concluding stages at his most recent appearance when fifth behind Paavo with solid placings in his previous outings.
Shailer has made some significant gear changes for the weekend assignment with the application of a Cross-over Nose Band and the removal of the off-side Bubble Cheeker and Visors providing hope for the stable around the chances of Laphroaig in the race.
Lady Samurai was responsible for a strong Taree victory last month and has strong prospects following a luckless third behind Swing the Tide last outing and it will be great to see Andrew Gibbons return to the saddle at Port following injury.
The premiership-winning jockey has been out of action since parting company from Noble Flame at Newcastle in July with engagements at Scone on Friday providing an ideal preparation for the weekend rides.
The Nathan Doyle stable has bright prospects in the second event with Bullinachinashop resuming from a debut fourth behind Wardaddy at Taree and a recent barrier trial win over Paradise Island providing plenty of positives around the chances of the Bull Point filly.
Doyle is hopeful of gaining a start in the following event with American Anthem and Miss Rinehart as both have strong prospects despite being drawn as emergencies.
Mr Pointer looks set to continue the recent training success of Greg McFarlane when the son of Sharkbite contests the Col Foster Memorial Class 1 Handicap.
After landing victories at the previous three Port Macquarie meetings, the popular central coast mentor has bright prospects with Mr Pointer following a solid third placing behind Nevada Smoke a fortnight ago when resuming from spell of five months.
The gelding scored a solid win over Lucky Enuff when previously in work and it is significant that prominent heavyweight rider, Aaron Bullock, has been engaged to pilot the topweight in the event.
The meeting perpetuates the memory of three fine local racing personalities with the feature race being the Athol Platt Memorial, named in honour of the former trust president and spearhead for the reconstruction of the new Port Macquarie track and facilities in 1967.
Other races on the program pay tribute to former champion local jockey, Col Foster, and a man who dedicated his life to racing in the Port Macquarie and Wauchope districts, Stephen Cook.
It is also great that Graham Wicks has been acknowledged by the club following a long and distinguished career as race judge and data management administrator on north coast racetracks stretching more than thirty years.
The popular official has been an integral part of racing in the district and his wonderful association with brother, David, has provided a diligent and faultless service over many years with everyone wishing the popular pair many happy years of good health and happiness.
Other races on the program are named after valued sponsors including Carlton Dry, John Oxley Motors, Great Norther Super Crisp and Collins Bus Service with the club encouraging everyone to support these fine brands.
Port Macquarie Race Club is excited to welcome the general public back to Sunday's meeting with a requirement that all patrons must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and be able to provide proof of vaccination or approved medical exemption.
It is a requirement that QR Codes are scanned, and all regulations and guidelines must be followed at all times, including the wearing of masks in all indoor settings, social distancing and washing of hands regularly.
No patrons from the greater Sydney area will be admitted and people having cold or flu like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose, even if these are mild, will be restricted from entering the track, and should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Essential participants are to be remain in their allocated area and continue to follow the guidelines articulated by Racing NSW with owners, members and patrons unable to interact with these personnel.
Entry to the track is $10 per person and despite reserved seating in the Ivan Livermore Stand being fully booked, there are plenty of great viewing areas available and comprehensive dining and wagering facilities will be in full operation.
Further race meeting details are available on the club's social media accounts or by contacting the club on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au
SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 12.55pm JOHN OXLEY MOTORS MAIDEN PLATE (1512M): 5 Wiki, 2 Curioso, 10 Scanlan
Race 2 – 1.30pm GREAT NORTHERN SUPER CRISP MAIDEN HCP (1110M): 7 Bullinachinashop, 2 Not Taking It, 6 Evocator
Race 3 – 2.05pm CARLTON DRY MAIDEN HANDICAP (1110M): 2 Klopp, 11 American Anthem, 6 Tyquendo
Race 4 – 2.40pm GRAHAM & DAVID WICKS CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2020M): 5 Swing the Tide, 1 Laphroaig, 4 Lady Samurai
Race 5 – 3.15pm COL FOSTER MEMORIAL CLASS 1 HCP (1010M): 1 Mr Pointer, 4 Wardaddy, 5 Bilbao
Race 6 – 4.00pm STEPHEN COOK MEMORIAL BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1512M): 3 Five Crowns, 4 Auvergne, 7 Dalgarno
Race 7 – 4.40pm ATHOL PLATT MEMORIAL BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1110M): 7 Impact Star, 8 All a Lady, 9 Duchess Nicci
Race 8 – 5.15pm COLLINS BUS SERVICE CLASS 3 HCP (1210M): 3 Schiller Bay, 2 Par Avion, 10 Black Jacamar
