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By Rod Fuller

With interest continuing to build towards the Newhaven Park Country Championship series, Lisztomania is set to take the next step in the Carlton Dry Mid North Coast Preview at Port Macquarie on Sunday.

The lightly raced chestnut went through the Adelaide Magic Millions sale yard in 2020 and was responsible for two strong placings at Newcastle and Randwick before a gallant fifth when beaten just over a length by Aramis in the Grafton Guineas last July.

Lisztomania wins at Newcastle under Aaron Bullock. Image by Bradley Photographers

Following a break of five months, Aiden St Vincent made the journey to Doomben with his gelding and the son of Dream Ahead was narrowly defeated by Arentee in class three company and this provided the necessary ammunition for progression to the lucrative qualifier.

It is significant that Ash Morgan has been engaged for the ride on Lisztomania as the leading hoop continues his move towards the top of the state jockey’s premiership after taking out the title last year and returning after an overseas stint.

With so much at stake and many of the contestants vying for the rich prizemoney on offer, Optimo has the form on the board with recent metropolitan placings under his belt and is set to provide Marc Quinn with sound claims on his home track.

After being beaten under two lengths by Zuma California at Eagle Farm last September the son of Exosphere was sent for a break and two good local trials provided plenty of confidence for a strong showing at his spell resumption in town a fortnight ago.

Optimo will derive a great deal of benefit from the Warwick Farm outing and has an ideal preparation going into the series with other chances dominated by My One, I Know the Trainer and Inspiration.

Glen Milligan has My One racing well and the daughter of Super One comes into the event well following a recent victory and a narrow placing behind Courageous Queen at the circuit while I Know the Trainer has ability despite sometimes having a mind of her own.

Jenny Graham knows how to prepare a Championship runner following success in the race with Victorem five years ago and believes that Inspiration will provide great representation for the stable in this year’s event.

The Duporth mare ran an eye-catching placing in a recent Taree trial and it is great to see that Cejay Graham has been engaged for the ride following an extended injury break after an incident at Grafton last April.

The local apprentice dominated the riding statistics before the layoff and has worked extremely hard in preparation for Sunday’s assignment with all in racing wishing the talented hoop the very best into the future.

With the chance of progression to the $150,000 Mid North Coast or Northern Rivers Championships and representation for the districts in the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships Final at Randwick on Saturday 1st April, the racing action should be outstanding.

Sukhbir broke through for his maiden success at the track on New Year’s Day and looks the stiffest opposition in the John Oxley Motors Handicap after the Kris Lees-trained gelding took the next step with victory at Tuncurry a fortnight later.

John Sprague always has strong chances on his home circuit and it might be wise to follow the markets with Heir Apparent in the third event and Berkinson in the last as the pair are resuming from spells with strong form when previously in work.

The club appreciates the continued sponsorship provided by Prime 7, Barrier Signs, ATM2HIRE, GemLife Rainbow Beach, Carlton and United Breweries, John Oxley Motors and De Bortoli Wines with everyone encouraged to support these find brands.

General admission tickets can be pre-booked on-line or purchased on race day with further information regarding reserved seating available by contacting the Port Macquarie Race Club office on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au

There are plenty of great viewing and seating areas available with refreshment, dining and wagering facilities in full operation throughout the grounds. Reduced membership passes are currently available until June 2023 for $47 with the additional cost of $67 allowing for a member and guest package.

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 1.36pm PRIME7 LOCAL NEWS COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN PLATE (1006M): 1 Red Lantern, 8 Promised, 7 Hellion of Cluster
Race 2 – 2.11pm BARRIER SIGNS MAIDEN PLATE (1506M): 11 Lady Townson, 2 Devocean, 1 Apache Doc
Race 3 – 2.46pm ATM2HIRE COUNTRY BOOSTED CL 2 & ABOVE BM 58 HCP (1006M): 2 Heir Apparent, 9 Benetti, 10 Zapluck
Race 4 – 3.25pm GEMLIFE RAINBOW BEACH MAIDEN HCP (1206M): 3 Taking the Mikki, 6 Monopoly Girl, 10 Stellar Style
Race 5 – 4.04pm CARLTON DRY MNCRA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW - CL 4 HCP (1206M): 4 Lisztomania, 3 Optimo, 9 Inspiration
Race 6 – 4.45pm JOHN OXLEY MOTORS BM58 HCP (1506M): 4 Sukhbir, 1 Hunter Bred, 12 Woburn Abbey
Race 7 – 5.22pm DE BORTOLI WINES CL 1 HCP (1006M): 3 Berkinson, 2 Golden Breeze, 4 Boss Shelby

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