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By Tony Megahey

Kris Lees has a typically strong presence at a capacity Coffs Harbour TAB meeting on Friday and his haven for apprentice riding talent looks primed for another big day out.

Brilliant Dylan Gibbons misses Coffs after recent city doubles and a near full book again at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, leaving the regional responsibilities to Bailey Wheeler with a promising book.

Paradise Island parades with Dylan Gibbons aboard. Image by Bradley Photographers

Also included is the stable’s new Tasmanian apprentice Shayleigh Ingelse who rides a Lees favourite, while outstanding WA claimer Madi Derrick - on loan from Lees - is out for extended time with injury.

Stable seniors Andrew Gibbons and Aaron Bullock ride the remaining Lees contenders.

A focal point is just a solitary ride on the day for Shayleigh who claims 3.5kg on emerging Lees filly Paradise Island in the Luxlec Electrical F&M’s (1012m).

She’s a punting push resuming with an inside draw off two recent soft Gosford trials, the latest significantly ridden by Shayleigh.

Ingelse's been with the regional premiership Newcastle stable for almost a year and won a double at “Port” shortly after moving from Victoria.

Paradise Island ($2.70 favourite on TAB) has been placed twice when resuming and her form is in stronger grade at Newcastle before she impressively won a Beaumont Track maiden in December when a short-priced favourite.

The Holler-Judea filly is having a typical Lees education at the regionals, destined for better races.

Aside from the numerous stable contenders, Tuncurry apprentice Georgina McDonnell has value rides amidst the excitement of her first Saturday city ride at Rosehill Gardens in the TAB Highway on outsider Lady Mofeed ($61).

Betcha Baby is suitably placed in a modest opening maiden.

“Knocking on the door, I’ve ridden her both runs from a spell, if there’s going to be a breakthrough this does look the right race,” Georgie offered.

“She’s been getting back in shorter races and closing really strongly so 1400m should suit with extra race fitness.”

Five placings are decent enough credentials in a steady maiden. At present Coffs is a Soft 7 in fine weather.

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