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By Rod Fuller

With an exemplary record of three wins from four previous outings under his belt, Elusive Eagle is poised to account for rivals in the Mid North Country Championships Preview at Port Macquarie on Sunday.

The son of Sidestep was successful in Class 1 company at the Port track last November and has continued to make the circuit his own following recent victories last month.

After ploughing through heavy ground to land the prize by a length over Rioli in early January, the gelding stepped up in grade two weeks later to account for Dr Demon and Rumpshaker after settling well back before producing a barnstorming finish.

Allan Denham is enjoying a great training run of success on the north coast at present and it is significant that prominent local jockey, Ben Looker, has been engaged to continue his wonderful association with the stable.

With a record of five Port track starts for three wins and solid efforts over the distance of Sunday’s assignment, there are plenty of positives around the chances of Elusive Eagle in the Championships Preview.

Marc Quinn would be desperate to have a runner in the series and will saddle up All Over Magic as one of the main chances in the event as a springboard towards the district qualifier. The gelding was transferred from brother-in-law, Tracey Bartley, with the Country Championships as his main objective and started his north coast career with a comprehensive victory over Our Echo last October.

Following a luckless eighth behind Eva’s Deel at Rosehill in December, the son of Magic Albert was given a spell with a narrow placing in a recent barrier trial at the track a fortnight ago proving the gelding is poised for a strong resumption.

Other chances in the event centre around Aheadofhistime, following a solid effort in similar recent class at Grafton, while Bellastar, Dr Demon and Nombuso have good hopes.

Charmmebaby is expected to improve from a recent effort in the Queen of the North while Innervoice will benefit from the training prowess of Jenny Graham and is expected to provide a forward showing despite stepping up in class.

The $150,000 Newhaven Park districts qualifier is scheduled for Taree on Sunday 21st February with the top two placegetters competing with other entrants around country NSW for the massive prizemoney pool on offer in the Newhaven Park Country Championship Final at Randwick on Saturday April 3rd.

Victory by Time to Target in the opening event will provide a great tonic for Joe Janiak with the champion mentor and trainer of the legendary racing icon, Takeover Target, not enjoying the best of health in recent times.

Jim Jarvis puts the polish on the flashy chestnut filly for his great friend and the daughter of Time for War is working up to a victory following recent placings at Coffs Harbour and Lismore.

Lady Superspy put the writing on the wall with a dominant victory over Asherla at the circuit a fortnight ago and looks a strong chance in the Class 1 Handicap while Endangered Species and Slice of Heaven will have plenty of followers in their respective events.

Races on the program are named in honour of Carlton Dry, Great Northern, 4 Pines Pacific Ale, Port City Breakers RLFC, Port Macquarie Sharks RLFC and John Oxley Motors with the race club delighted to continue their association with these fine brands and organisations.

The club is thrilled to be hosting the program to represent an unofficial reunion of former players and supporters of all Port Macquarie Rugby League Clubs. All are welcomed to attend the day in the Clydesdale Room and encouraged to share the details to all interested parties as a way to renew acquaintances with old friends and enjoy a great celebration in the Clydesdale Room.

Further details regarding reserved seating and access to the Livermore Stand and Clydesdale Room are available with interested patrons encouraged to make contact with the Port Macquarie Race Club on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au.

General admission tickets remain available on the day and there is no need to pre-purchase with all patrons required to use the QR Code system to gain entry.

Everyone is advised to download the Services NSW app prior to attending to make things easier and plenty of seating is available with the undercover outdoor areas in operation together with wagering, dining and bar facilities.

The Port racetrack remains a COVID-19 safe venue and it is important to follow all the procedures and guidelines applicable People who are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, is awaiting a COVID-19 test or has been in contact with an affected person, also must not enter the racetrack.

The seven-event program commences at 1.40pm with the Mid North Coast Country Championship Preview scheduled to commence at 4.35pm. The track is rated in the good range and positive weather forecasts towards the weekend should produce a surface providing every runner an even chance for success.

Punters who are unable to attend are still encouraged to follow all the action live from the Port meeting and supporting programs around Australia through the screens of Sky Racing and comprehensive wagering facilities continue to be provided by Tabcorp.

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 1.40pm PORT CITY BREAKERS RLFC F&M MAIDEN HCP (1200M): 2 Time to Target, 3 Par Avion, 4 Wanna Tweet
Race 2 – 2.15pm PORT MACQUARIE SHARKS RLFC CG&E MAIDEN HCP (1200M): 2 Endangered Species, 1 Zaru, 7 Em Em D’Ar
Race 3 – 2.50pm JOHN OXLEY MOTORS MAIDEN PLATE (1500M): 2 Flying Euros, 7 Justitia, 9 Single Charge
Race 4 – 3.25pm 4 PINES PACIFIC ALE ON TAP CLASS 1 HCP (1000M: 4 Lady Superspy, 5 Quite Neat, 3 Chillie Cod
Race 5 – 4.00pm CARLTON DRY ON TAP BM 58 HCP (1000M): 2 Slice of Heaven, 7 Zapluck, 9 Just Sizzling
Race 6 – 4.35pm MNCRA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW - CL 4 HCP (1200M): 4 Elusive Eagle, 7 Dr Demon, 3 Charmmebaby
Race 7 – 5.10pm GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP BM 58 HCP (1500M): 8 Firefly Poppy, 7 Crazeelil, 3 Maid Marilyn

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