Port Macquarie Review – 14th November 2024
In a spirited finish that had the large crowd on the edge of their seats, Prancing with Fire was able to withstand all challengers to claim the Flower Hotels Cup at Port Macquarie on Thursday.
Luke Rolls was seen to advantage as he settled the daughter of Sir Prancelot in a perfect position just off the speed before driving through the gap as the field headed for the run home to claim the early leader, Wilderness Star.
With the finishing of burst of Star of Yamba down the crown of the track and Wilderness Star kicking back along the rails, the stage was set for a grandstand finish with Prancing with Fire holding on in a willing finish to score by a head margin.
Victory was sweet for Fleur Blanch as the popular Grafton trainer only took control of the bay mare from Victoria recently and after two solid efforts at Ballina and the Gold Coast, a forward showing was expected in the feature event on the program.
The day commenced well for followers of Teighan Worsnop as she was able to camp behind the leaders before a positive ride down the outside resulted in another win for the daughter of Super One.
Glen Milligan has really found the key to his bay filly who remains undefeated on the new circuit in three appearances when scoring by just over a length over Love Rat and Typhoon Neta.
Worsnop completed a riding double as she used the early pace possessed by Shelley’s Lookout to stride the John Sprague trained filly to the lead before withstanding the finishing efforts of King Soleil to break Maiden status with a decisive victory.
Plenty were cheering loudly when Ray Spokes was able to dictate terms to suit on Rahaan to claim the prize over Dunaloce and Stylebender in the middle-distance event.
The popular Coffs Harbour hoop has been on the sidelines since April due to injury with success on the Shane Everson trained mare providing his first win since resumption and displayed all his riding expertise.
Aroha Stone broke her maiden status in dominant fashion when Ash Morgan hooked the Nathan Doyle trained filly off the rails approaching the final turn before running down Finca and withstanding the finishing burst of Arisden.
Mizella made light of the perception regarding the track advantage of being on the pace when the Kim Waugh trained filly came from well back with Matt McGuren obtaining the late split to claim the penultimate event while Jo Jo Sun raced wide before taking out the Class 1 Handicap.
The club appreciates the continued support of the Flower Hotel Group and races on the program were named after their fine local establishments including the Beechwood Hotel, Hastings Hotel, Fernhill Tavern, Settlers Inn, Lake Cathie Tavern and Tacking Point Tavern.
The Port Macquarie Race Club President, David Todd, would like to thank all our valued patrons and participants for their support and cooperation over the past twelve months and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive season.
Thanks to everyone for the patience during the reconstruction of the course proper and the stage is now set for a wonderful future for the complex and everyone associated with the club together with our valued patrons and sponsors.
Racing resumes at the track on Friday 3rd January and 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.
