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After multiple successes in similar grade at the circuit over the preceding month, Whatyoulookingat is poised to complete the hat-trick in the Fisher’s Plumbing Plus Handicap at Port Macquarie on Sunday.
Cejay Graham drove the daughter of Wandjina straight to the lead a month ago and was able to defy rivals when accounting for Ciao Uno before Jasper Franklin adopted similar tactics successfully a fortnight later.
Prominent local trainer, John Sprague, has really found the key to the mare and had no hesitation in engaging Franklin to continue his association together with utilising the 2kg apprentice's allowance.
The popular youngster is enjoying a stellar season and currently sits on 26 wins and 38 placings with the son of former prominent jockey, Craig Franklin, showing all the potential and riding skills to succeed.
Whatyoulookingat has deserved her topweight status but has a strong record of eight starts at his home territory for four wins and one placing and will be aided by the recent on-pace racing pattern at the circuit.
Virtuous Miss is the query runner in the event with the Kris Lees-trained mare resuming racing from a six-month spell but possessed strong Queensland form when last in work including victories at Doomben and Eagle Farm.
The daughter of Headwater has a recent soft barrier trial at Gosford a month ago in preparation for the assignment and it should be noted that Virtuous Miss displays strong form when resuming from a break.
Canny Boy is a recent arrival from the Waterhouse and Bott establishment to the Taree stable of Tony Ball and looks hard to beat in the opening event on the program after his narrow third behind Kiss Her last week.
The son of Sebring came from well back in the initial stages before producing a strong run down the crown of the track to be beaten under a head in a busy finish.
Another safe wager on the program centres around the chances of Icing of the Cake with the new acquisition to the Glen Milligan yard working up to a win following recent placings in the provincial area before a solid third behind Zoom Outcome at the local track a fortnight ago.
Ash Morgan rode the Astern filly on that occasion and continues the association for Sunday's assignment with the popular hoop fast approaching the century of wins for the season.
Morgan is placed second on 95 victories at the time of press behind James McDonald and has strong mounts around the provincial and country circuit in the next few days before travelling to the mid north coast venue to crack the ton.
After sitting precariously on 999 career victories following the recent Port race meeting, Ben Looker attained the riding milestone after piloting Rockbarton Roman to success for David Atkins at the Muswellbrook meeting last Monday.
The prominent jockey positioned the Rubick gelding in the leading division before racing clear from Oakfield Teepee and withstanding the finishing effort of Miandelle to break the 1000 mark and this was improved by one when Head Up High won at Grafton on Thursday.
Racing NSW recently announced eligibility and conditions for the $2 million The Big Dance race to be held at Royal Randwick on Tuesday, 1 November 2022 with the field being drawn
from the winners and second placed horses of 25 Country Cup races from across NSW.
Port Macquarie Race Club is delighted to advise that their $200,000 Cup to be conducted on Friday 7th October is on the list of qualifying races and this will add further importance and interest to the feature race.
Limited reserved seating remains available inside the Ivan Livermore Stand, or tables are available in the outside bar or betting ring. There are great viewing and seating areas available with refreshment, dining and wagering facilities in full operation throughout the grounds with further information regarding reserved seating available by contacting the Port Macquarie Race Club office on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au
The Port racing complex remains a COVID-19 safe venue and everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant and follow guidelines despite the relaxation of many government regulations.
Club President, Greg Delaforce, would like to acknowledge the support provided by valued brands including Barrier Signs, Great Northern Super Crisp, Carlton Dry, GemLife Rainbow Beach, Fisher's Plumbing Plus, John Oxley Motors, Fastplast Building Supplies and Stowe Australia in the staging of the program.
SELECTIONS
Race 1 - 12:20PM BARRIER SIGNS MAIDEN PLATE (1506M): 5 Canny Boy, Yorikiri, 9 Finding Alice
Race 2 - 12:55PM GREAT NORTHERN SUPER CRISP MAIDEN HCP (1206M): 2 Eva Daniela, 3 Rhapsody Queen, 4 Galbalan
Race 3 - 1:30PM CARLTON DRY MAIDEN HCP (1206M): Crystal's Legacy, Justadude, 1 Huriwai
Race 4 - 2:05PM GEMLIFE RAINBOW BEACH MAIDEN PLATE (1006M): 7 Icing on the Cake, Chiky Chiky Mama, 3 Smart Thinker
Race 5 - 2:45PM FISHER'S PLUMBING PLUS BENCHMARK 66 HCP (1006M): 1 Whatyoulookingat, 2 Virtuous Miss, 7 Zoom Outcome
Race 6 - 3:20PM JOHN OXLEY MOTORS CLASS 2 HCP (1506M): 4 The Mistral, 3 Shorebreak, 6 Luminoso
Race 7 - 3:55PM FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLIES BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1206M): 3 Darci Diva, 2 Dr Demon, 4 Being Naughty
Race 8 - 4:30PM STOWE AUSTRALIA CLASS 2 HCP (1206M): 2 Two Ya Got, 5 Adelina, 7 Leeside
