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By Tony Megahey

Heavy track form is the prerequisite for the welcome return of racing to Coffs Harbour for Friday’s TAB meeting where a comeback apprentice with re-ignited passion and a celebrated training veteran is the combination to follow.

Taree’s Tony Ball, with a prolific record in the region, offers all of that with 'swimmers' Strobing and Run Rory Run ideally placed with a weight relief for his rejuvenated apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald.

Mollie Fitzgerald returns after winning on Strobing at Taree. Image by Trackside Photography

Strobing contests a rare restricted staying event, the 2005m Paradox Media BM 74 with 59kg less a 2kg claim for Mollie, and she also gives weight relief off 59kg for Run Rory Run in the 1405m, Park Beach Plumbing Country Boosted BM 58.

“We’re grateful to be racing again after losing so many meetings; perfect weather this week but still around a heavy nine, mine get through it and will be hard to beat,” offered Ball.

Meanwhile, after injury and extended time out, Mollie, daughter of Malcolm Fitzgerald rider of 1990 Group 2-Villiers Stakes winner Post Elect, completed a course in Real Estate before her racing passions prevailed.

“Mollie’s a natural, happy she’s back, ridden plenty of winners for me and any claim is a bonus in the heavy. She's a regular rider on both of mine, races and trackwork.”

Strobing and Run Rory Run are both fitter for recent racing.

Both are fourth-up from a spell with Mollie who has ridden 32 winners in an interrupted two season professional career.

“We’ll roll forward on Strobing, make it a genuine test, won at the distance, thrives on rain-affected tracks and been in stronger races,” added the former decade-long Godolphin assistant foreman.

Strobing, a four-race winner, comes off unsuitable sprints since resuming.

Run Rory Run has the high appeal of three wins and two placings on heavy tracks.

“No star but a swimmer this gelding; forget his last run he was wedged in behind them, didn’t stretch out and needs clear air. We’ll punch forward with him as well.

“He was runner-up twice in his previous starts this grade with Mollie on a heavy ten.”

Coffs Harbour is presently a Heavy 10 with the rail out 3m from the 1000m to the 350m where a cutaway rail applies; True the remainder.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Coffs Harbour here