Following strong victories at Taree and Tamworth in recent weeks, Alastor is poised for further success in the Schweppes Benchmark 66 Handicap at Port Macquarie on Friday.
The son of Spill the Beans had been a model of consistency and accounted for Haunting Spirit at Taree in July before stepping up in grade for a decisive victory over Ziggi Rocks at Tamworth last week.
Kris Lees puts the polish on the gelding and the champion Novocastrian trainer recently completed another successful season with victory in the NSW Country Premiership and a second behind Chris Waller in the overall title.
It is also significant that Dylan Gibbons has been engaged for the ride on Alastor with the rising star apprentice enjoying a stellar debut season having posted eighty-six victories and over a hundred placings with a strike rate of 17.10%.
Gibbons will sport the Australian Bloodstock colours in the event with the connections looking to continue their great association with the jockey and trainer combination in providing the testing material for the event.
Miss Scalini looks the danger for the Nathan Doyle stable following a successful resumption from a spell when fifth in the event at Tamworth won by Pleading while Prince Arli has been very competitive in recent performances at Coffs Harbour and Grafton.
Bold Contender has been placed in three recent runs on the Northern Rivers and the son of Ocean Park is set to break his maiden status in the opening event on the program.
The engagement of Ray Spokes for the mount adds further confidence after the popular hoop rode a treble on Coffs Harbour Cup Day.
There will be plenty of interest in the performance of Elected in the following race with the English import performing well for Kris Lees at two recent provincial barrier trials in preparation for the event.
Other safe wagers centre around Ruby Factor with the Dale Wagstaff trained gelding responsible for a solid Scone victory while Schiller Bay will be hard to beat in the last event.
The Port racing complex continues to be a COVID-19 safe venue and it is imperative that all guidelines and procedures together with the use of QR Codes for entry are followed to the letter.
All staff, patrons and essential personnel are required to always wear face masks while on the premises, except when eating or drinking, and this is for both indoor and outside areas.
Social distancing rules will be strictly enforced, and all patrons and staff are encouraged to continue safe hand washing practices and general responsible conduct.
If you live or have visited a designated lock down area or have cold or flu like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose, even if these are mild, you will not be permitted to the track, and you should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Information regarding general admission tickets and entry to the Ivan Livermore Stand are available by contacting the club on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au.
If you have booked inside the Ivan Livermore Stand or Clydesdale Room, you must remain seated at your table throughout the day, except for food and beverage purchases, wagering, restroom requirements and viewing the races.
There is an abundance of great viewing positions available with comprehensive dining, refreshment and wagering services available and the BBQ will be in full operation throughout the day.
Races on the program are named in honour of Schweppes, Carlton Dry, De Bortoli Wines, Great Northern Brewing Company and John Oxley Motors as recognition of their continued support provided over a long period of time.
The circuit is currently rated in the soft range with the prospect of fine weather conditions set to ensure the best possible surface will be presented for the race meeting.
Punters will be able to follow all the action of the local program together with full coverage of supporting programs from around Australia through the screens of Sky Racing with comprehensive trackside wagering facilities available.
Racing continues at Port with the Camden Haven Cup highlighting the program on Saturday 28th August with a reminder that all roads lead to the circuit on Friday 8th October for showcase racing featuring the $200,000 Port Macquarie Cup and the $80,000 Birden Group Sprint.
The club is delighted to welcome GemLife Rainbow Beach as a major sponsor for their premier fillies and mares’ event, $60,000 Queen of the North Handicap in January.
GemLife has a number of lifestyle resorts for the over 50’s in Queensland, NSW and Victoria with their latest facility under construction at Lake Cathie.
Selections
Race 1 – 12.25pm CAMDEN HAVEN CUP DAY 28/8 MAIDEN HCP (1500 M)
1 Bold Contender, 2 Decadent Tale, 6 Glenburn Hotel
Race 2 – 1.05pm JOHN OXLEY MOTORS CG&E MAIDEN PLATE (1200 M)
5 Elected, 7 Just Ziggy, 12 Always Written Off
Race 3 – 1.40pm GREAT NORTHERN BREWING CO. F&M MAIDEN PLATE (1200 M)
10 Media Chick, 2 Bright Eyed Girl, 14 Terrameades
Race 4 – 2.15pm DE BORTOLI WINES CL 2 HCP (1000 M)
5 Oblivion, 2 Qadira Star, 4 Grated Coconut
Race 5 – 2.55pm PORT MACQUARIE CUP DAY 8/10 BM 58 HCP (1800 M)
7 Full Coverage, 3 Senatorial, 2 Condover Hall
Race 6 – 3.35pm SCHWEPPES BM 66 HCP (1500 M)
2 Alastor, 4 Miss Scalini, 9 Prince Arli
Race 7 – 4.10pm CARLTON DRY BM 58 HCP (1200 M)
3 Secrets no More, 5 Supreme Diva, 1 Northern Wilderose
Race 8 – 4.45pm GEMLIFE RAINBOW BEACH CL 1 HCP (1200 M)
1 Schiller Bay, 2 Gumnuts, 3 Chase My Crown
