With the benefit of two recent barrier trials under his belt and possessing a sound record when resuming from a spell, there are plenty of positives around the chances of Safado in the $80,000 Birdon Group Sprint at Port Macquarie on Friday.

The son of Lonhro has an imposing first-up record and put the writing on the wall with a dominant trial win at Scone over Celestial Doll by just under two lengths in preparation for the assignment.

The gelding was a heat winner of the Provincial Championships in 2019 and was far from disgraced in the Randwick Final before transferring from the Waller and Waugh stables to the astute hands of Kris Lees.

Safado was back to his best form when accounting for Jay Jay D’ar at Eagle Farm in May and the break of thirteen weeks since that effort could prove to be a master training stroke in the feature sprint.

It is significant that Aaron Bullock has been engaged for the mount and there has already been a strong betting move on the galloper in the lead up to the event.

Liberty Son put the writing on the wall with a strong second behind Electric Girl at Gosford a fortnight ago and is poised to provide the strongest competition while there is confidence around the chances of Nicci Trix and Jail Break.

Nicci Trix is one of two entrants from the Jenny Graham stable with the daughter of Nicconi proving victory is within reach following an encouraging fourth in Class 3 Highway company at Randwick a couple of weeks ago when resuming from a break.

Her other runner is The Drake who has amassed prizemoney of over $160,000 in a career of six wins and twelve placings from a forty-two career starts.

Kody Nestor makes the journey from Dubbo with good chances spread throughout the program and has set Jailbreak for the event with the Rubick gelding resuming with a sound third in a recent Flying Handicap following a break of three months.

The other highlight on Port Cup Day is the $50,000 Fastplast Building Supplies Hastings Cup with the Kristian Buchanan trained gelding, Big Surprise, holding the key to the race.

The son of Big Brown scored with authority at Gosford in August before a solid effort in Midway company at Randwick when beaten around a length by Canyonero.

Prima Stella is racing in career best form following victories in the Casino and Hopkins Livermore Cup’s and will provide the stiffest opposition while cases can be made for Northern Knight and Magic Charlee.

Both races hold great interest and compliment an outstanding day of racing highlighted by the $200,000 Carlton Dry Port Macquarie Cup scheduled to commence at 5.05pm.

The continuation of Covid-19 health regulations and government restrictions has forced the club to advise that attendance for the two-day carnival is limited to essential personnel only.

Owners, members, and the general public will not be permitted to attend the Port Racing Complex.

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