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By Rod Fuller

With wonderful prizemoney on offer and one of the final chances to gain a place in the $2 million Big Dance at Randwick on Melbourne Cup day, outstanding nominations have been received for the $200,000 Carlton Dry Port Macquarie Cup at the circuit on Friday.

The champion stable of Chris Waller has earmarked five horses for the club’s feature with Quality Time spearheading the team following two strong metropolitan wins by the German import.

Wicklow (Hugh Bowman) parades at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

The son of Amaron led throughout at Canterbury a month ago with a dominant victory over Akahata before franking the form when successful at Rosehill last start and this should provide an ideal preparation for this prestigious race.

Waller’s other hopes centre around Caboche, who was placed in a Queensland Derby behind Pinarello at a previous campaign, while The Frontman resumed from a spell when fourth in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle last month.

Wicklow has been a model of consistency since winning at Rosehill in June while Rousseau would be a certain chance on his best form.

It will not be an easy assignment for Australia’s premier trainer as the nominations are peppered by stiff opposition with Our Candidate set for the event by the Kris Lees stable.

After the son of Camelot tasted success during the Grafton carnival in July, the consistent gelding will derive a great benefit from a recent barrier trial at Newcastle in preparation for the assignment.

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have Herman Hesse engaged and the son of Frankel has strong form lines following a recent Rosehill victory before a gallant third behind Grove Ferry in the Colin Stephen Stakes at Group three level a fortnight ago.

The strong representation from leading metropolitan and provincial stables complements the stiff local opposition on offer with Onemore Sapphire gaining automatic progression to the feature following a decisive win over Lady Audrey in the Stowe Australia Port Cup Prelude a fortnight ago.

Bartley puts the polish on the bay gelding and victory in this prestigious event would be extremely sentimental and satisfying for a man with deep ties in the local area.

Success in the race took the gelding’s record to six wins and 11 placings in 40 overall appearances and stakes earnings to well over the $200,000 mark.

Ambitious Prince compounded success in the Ken Howard Cup at Coffs Harbour earlier in the season with a resounding win in the Tuncurry Cup last month and Warren Gavenlock would be keen for a forward showing by the Casino Prince gelding while Mydeel and Laphroaig have undeniable chances.

The Showcase status allotted by Racing NSW has resulted in a massive number of 194 nominations for the fixture with the club highly delighted by the strong interest in the support races, including $80,000 Birdon Group Sprint and the $50,000 Hastings Cup.

The carnival of racing commences on Thursday night with the Cup Calcutta to be conducted at the Settlers Inn on Hastings River Drive from 6.30pm. The night will be conducted by Dave Stanley from Sky Racing and his renowned hosting style together a strong engagement with all in attendance should provide a great night for all participants.

The stage is then set for the running of the $200,000 Carlton Dry Port Macquarie Cup on Friday 7th October highlighting a wonderful two days of racing for the club. Massive prizemoney of $500,000 is up for grabs for the club’s premier day of racing with the cup shaping up as one of the best as it provides the opportunity for successful connections to contest the $2m Big Dance at Randwick in November.

Unfortunately, all hospitality packages are sold out but further details regarding pre-race meeting bookings and other relevant information is available by contacting the Port Macquarie Race Club office on 02 6581 1964 or email admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au

As well as a wonderful day of racing, Fashions on the Field will again be run by Focus Magazine with everyone encouraged to wear their finest outfits.

The racing action continues with Steeline raceday on Saturday and a reminder that Port Cup stubby holders have arrived in time for the big days and can be purchased at the track for the very reasonable price of $10.

View the race details for Port Macquarie (Friday) here

View the race details for Port Macquarie (Saturday) here