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By Rod Fuller

With strong form on the board and a weight advantage over his rivals, Broad Outlook ($6 on TAB) is poised to take the next step in the Settlers Inn Benchmark 66 Handicap at Port Macquarie on Thursday.

Since arriving from Melbourne Cup-winning trainers, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, the son of No Nay Never has taken a while to blossom before showing his best work in the latest campaign.

Larry Fairhall has been extremely patient with the gelding, and this was rewarded in September with a strong victory over Parties Galore at Taree before accounting for Forbidden Palace in his recent appearance at Muswellbrook.

Broad Outlook (Kacie Adams) in full flight at Muswellbrook. Image by Bradley Photographers

Kacie Adams has built up a strong association with Broad Outlook and positioned the galloper just behind the leaders at the coalfields track a fortnight ago before probing through the centre of the pack to race clear for success.

Adams has been the gelding’s partner for every run this campaign and it is significant the prominent hoop has again been engaged by the Fairhall stable for the assignment and drops 2kg on the previous win.

Laphroaig ($6) and Mister Smartee ($4.60) have the form on the board after recent campaigns in local cup races but have been weighted to their best while Velvet Lady ($8) is resuming from a lengthy spell after racing in black type events last season.

Celestial Fury ($7.50) is a new arrival to the Nathan Doyle stable following strong efforts down south and it might be wise to observe market activity in accessing his chances while Nashian ($8.50) has been consistent over the last month.

Justadude ($6) could provide a wonderful wedding gift for Cassandra Schmidt and Luke Rolls in the Beechwood Hotel Handicap after the couple tied the knot in a glamourous ceremony a couple of weeks ago.

Schmidt was granted her trainer’s licence earlier in the year and it didn’t take long for the local mentor to achieve her first success when Rolls steered Gulf of Tomini to victory at Grafton in September.

Following a solid fourth behind Just Ziggy last month, Justadude looks well placed to provide the pair their first win as a married couple and all in racing wish the newlyweds the absolute best for the future.

There will be plenty of attention regarding the resumption of Lucky Sham ($8) in the Open Handicap with the Neil Godbolt-trained mare responsible for a solid barrier trial at the track in preparation for the assignment.

The daughter of Shamexpress carries the Thompson family colours and progressed from a Port win in March to success at Randwick during the autumn carnival and does possess a strong record upon resumption from a break.

The club greatly appreciates the continued support of the Flower Hotel Group and races on the program are named after their fine local establishments including the Fernhill Tavern, Tacking Point Tavern, Settlers Inn and Little Shack Kiosk at Port together with the Lake Cathie Tavern, Hastings Hotel and Beechwood Hotel.

Port Macquarie Race Club President, Greg Delaforce, would like to thank all our valued patrons and participants for their support and cooperation over the past 12 months and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive season.

Racing resumes at the track with the traditional New Year’s Day program on January 1 and limited reserved seating remains available in the Ivan Livermore Stand with table areas set up in the outside bar and betting ring area.

Further race meeting details are available on the club’s social media accounts or by contacting the club on 02 6581 1964 or email - admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 1.15pm LITTLE SHACK COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN PLATE (1500M): 5 Golden Button, 4 Dante Alighieri, 6 Power Legend
Race 2 – 1.50pm LAKE CATHIE TAVERN CLASS 2 HCP- RISING STAR HEAT (1500M): 4 Rockbarton Ruby, 6 Sippin Season, 5 Are We Good
Race 3 – 2.25pm FLOWER HOTELS OPEN HCP (1200M): 4 Crowned Empress, 5 Lucky Sham, 7 Chase My Crown
Race 4 – 3.05pm FERNHILL TAVERN MDN PLATE (1200M): 2 Reateros, 4 Canny Prospect, 1 Pendulum
Race 5 – 3.40pm HASTINGS HOTEL MDN HCP (1000M): 8 Shezabitofmagic, 14 Discreet Lady, 3 Boss
Race 6 – 4.15pm TACKING POINT TAVERN COUNTRY BOOSTED BM 58 HCP (1000M): 7 Movin’ Denman*, 10 Icing on the Cake, 3 Vilified
Race 7 – 4.50pm BEECHWOOD HOTEL CLASS 1 HCP (1200M): 2 Justadude, 5 Wonder Brahma, 1 Outreach to Henry
Race 8 – 5.30pm SETTLERS INN BENCHMARK 66 HCP (1500M): 4 Broad Outlook, 8 Nashian, 2 Mister Smartee

* Movin' Denman dual acceptor (races 6 & 7)

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Port Macquarie here