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By Rod Fuller

A recent relocation to the north coast resulting in victory at Newcastle a fortnight ago has First Landing poised to take the next step in the Witchery Nook Handicap on Brave Hearts Charity Raceday at Port Macquarie on Tuesday.

The $500,000 purchase at the 2022 Inglis Easter Sales has since transferred from Team Hawkes to the local stable of John Sprague and this move paid dividends when accounting for Step Quick and Cosmic Eagle in Super Maiden company at his most recent start.

The son of Deep Field produced a powerful finishing effort at Newcastle and the extra distance of Tuesday’s assignment looks most suitable with the engagement of Shae Wilkes for the mount providing further confidence.

First Landing (Aaron Bullock) returns after winning at Newcastle. Image by Bradley Photographers

Wilkes has been riding like an apprentice inspired and landed a treble at the last Port meeting with the valuable allowance afforded to the popular young rider holding the key to the chances of First Landing in the final event on the card.

Cash and Cards represents the first galloper from the Paul Snowden stable to race around his new home circuit and the prominent mentor has approached the exciting new phase of his career with enthusiasm and precision.

Paul has established training facilities at an expansive acreage just outside of Port Macquarie with a team of gallopers headed by Lunaite providing plenty of promise for his solo ambitions.

The recent acquisition of Lunaite from the Chris Waller establishment has paid dividends with comprehensive wins at Newcastle followed by a solid third in Highway company at Randwick on Saturday behind Brave One and Secure.

Cash and Cards was dispatched for a spell following an even performance when sixth at Newcastle last January and resumed with a barrier trial at his home track a week ago in preparation for the midweek assignment.

Other chances in the race centre around Smashing Rosie with Kristen Buchanan making the journey from her Wyong training base and Bronte Simpson has been appointed to partner the flashy chestnut filly.

Simpson has burst on the apprentice riding scene in the state following a recent victory aboard Sneaky Sofia at Coonamble last weekend and recent credentials include a riding double at Walgett.

Mirai San heads the discussions in the Coolcene Air Conditioning Handicap with the Mark Minervini-trained gelding possessing sound claims to break his maiden status on debut following solid placings in recent trials.

Velka will derive great benefit from his initial outing when fourth at Muswellbrook and looks set to continue the great run of success being enjoyed by Todd Howlett in the second race on the card.

The prominent Muswellbrook trainer has racked up wins at Mudgee, Randwick, Gunnedah and Muswellbrook over the past month before claiming the Wauchope Cup last weekend with an outstanding effort by A Pound of Salt.

Mikayla Weir has obtained the ride to continue a wonderful association with the stable and returns to the local track flushed with success following her victory aboard Calico Miss at Randwick on Saturday.

Skates On failed to manage the extremely heavy conditions at Casino last start and a return to firmer going should suit the well-credentialed gelding in the following event while Oakfield Earth will benefit from the scratching of Rainbow Lass to claim the last race on the day.

The raceday honours the outstanding work provided by Brave Hearts in the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse and a gold coin donation is all required for entry to support this amazing charity.

Port Macquarie Race Club also greatly appreciates the sponsorship provided by Coolcene Air Conditioning, Divine Experiences, Stone Real Estate, Port Macquarie Golf Club, Seasalt and Rocksalt at the Marina together with The Witchy Nook and all are encouraged to support these fine local organisations.

The meeting represents the final appearance of Priscilla Looker before the Sky Racing personality leaves on maternity leave and everyone in racing wish her and husband Ben the very best for the impending birth of their twins and hope the pair enjoy a wonderful future with their new family additions and the gift of good health and happiness.

All roads lead to the circuit for Fishers Plumbing Plus Raceday on Saturday 12th July and details regarding general admission tickets together with reserved seating in the Ivan Livermore Stand are available by contacting the Port Macquarie Race Club office on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au.

SELECTIONS
Race 1 - 12:30PM COOLCENE AIR CONDITIONING MAIDEN HCP (1006M): 2 Mirai San, 10 Triple Triple, 8 Smokey Saint
Race 2 - 1:05PM DITTO’S KEEP SAFE ADVENTURE SHOWS MAIDEN PLATE (1206M): 10 Velka, 9 Tickle Me Pink, 5 Incantress
Race 3 - 1:40PM DVINE EXPERIENCES COUNTRY MAIDEN PLATE (1509M): 7 Gold Puma, 4 Rock the Machine, 6 Finding Elle
Race 4 - 2:15PM STONE REAL ESTATE COUNTRY BM 58 HCP (1206M): 5 Skates On, 6 Hotzino, 3 Lord Akomeed
Race 5 - 2:55PM PORT MACQUARIE GOLF CLUB CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (1812M): 8 Off the Scale, 4 Fulmen Filou, 7 Heart of Platinum
Race 6 - 3:35PM SEASALT & ROCKSALT AT THE MARINA BM 58 HCP (1509M): 5 Oakfield Earth, 8 Smart Lily, 7 Dodgeball
Race 7 - 4:10PM THE WITCHY NOOK CLASS 1 HCP (1106M): 3 First Landing, 2 Cash and Cards, 7 Smashing Rosie

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