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By Rod Fuller

With a strong appreciation for rain-affected ground and the benefit of a recent resumption following a spell, Lochita is set for a forward showing in the Pure Blonde Benchmark 66 Handicap at Port Macquarie on Friday.

A transfer from the Waterhouse and Bott stable to Jason Deamer’s Newcastle establishment provided immediate success 12 months ago when the Lonhro mare was heavily supported and handled the very heavy conditions at Taree to score a decisive victory over Toguchi and Miss Piper Rose.

Glory continued for the Dynamic Syndication Racing connections with a dominant performance to account for Lime and Sugar by four lengths at Tuncurry before handling the rain-affected ground to perfection when accounting for Havanna Storm over the mile journey in April before being sent to the paddock.

Lochita was given two steady trials at Muswellbrook and Newcastle before resuming on an exceptionally heavy track at Taree last month and her effort when fourth behind Siesta Key provides the necessary ammunition for a forward showing in the Port assignment.

The engagement of Ben Looker adds further confidence and all racing enthusiasts would like to pass on their congratulations to the Looker family when wife and Sky Racing personality, Priscilla, presented the prominent rider with a bouncing baby boy named Orlando. It is hoped that everything is going well for the new arrival and everyone is looking forward to meeting him at the track very soon.

The main danger in the event centres around Dew Drop with the John Sprague trained gelding responsible for a solid third in open company and on very heavy ground at Taree behind Pirate Ben recently with the son of Eavesdropper always a chance in this type of event.

Interest also centres around the Kris Lees-trained gelding, Continuation, who is better known over a longer distance, but tends to race well fresh and has the benefit of Dylan Gibbon’s apprentice claim while Underboss is also considered a live hope.

Souchong represents the best wager for the card in the Carlton Draught Benchmark 58 Handicap following a strong win at Muswellbrook when accounting for Mbappe by a length in November.

The Todd Howlett-trained mare handled a rise in grade and the increased journey well when narrowly defeated by The Equinator at Gunnedah last month with the daughter of Mosayter possessing a sound record on rain-affected ground.

Crazeelil represents sound each-way value in the sixth event while Memphis Squaw made the successful journey from Victoria to the Grafton stable of Shane Everson with an immediate victory at Coffs Harbour on heavy ground and should prove hard to beat in the final race on the program.

Heavy rain in the days leading up to the meeting has caused a heavy 10 track rating, but officials are hoping for a break in the weather to provide a sound surface for the strong day of racing.

Please contact Port Macquarie Race Club office for more information regarding reserved seating and access to the Livermore Stand and Clydesdale Room on 02 6581 1964 or email 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 encouraged 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 race track remains a COVID-19 safe venue and it is important to follow all the procedures and guidelines applicable with any person who is a resident or recent visitor of Sydney’s northern beaches or areas around Auburn, Berala, Lidcombe North, Regent Park and Rookwood, unable to gain admission.

People who are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, are awaiting a COVID-19 test or have been in contact with an affected person, also must not enter the racetrack.

Punters 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.

The club is grateful for the continued support provided by Carlton and United Breweries and the race names for the day are indicative of some of the fine products available from this great organisation.

The next meeting to be conducted at the Port circuit features the running of the $60,000 Queen of the North Handicap, one of the highlight events on the club’s calendar, to be staged on Friday 22nd January.

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 1.15pm CORONA MAIDEN HCP (1200M): 4 Impulse Control, 9 Tariff Trump, 7 Glendor
Race 2 – 1.50pm PERONI MAIDEN PLATE (1000M): 3 Em Me D’ar, 5 Bay of Bengal, 10 Muscadelle,
Race 3 – 2.25pm CARLTON DRAUGHT BM 58 HCP (2000M): 2 Souchong, 7 Lucky for Some, 5 Tickets for Youth
Race 4 – 3.05pm ASAHI MAIDEN PLATE (1500M): 1 Bold Contender, 2 Right Bower, 3 Telfer
Race 5 – 3.40pm PURE BLONDE BM 66 HCP (1500M): 5 Lochita, 2 Dew Drop, 1 Continuation
Race 6 – 4.20pm CARLTON MID CLASS 1 HCP (1500M): 4 Crazeelil, 2 Blue Velvet, 6 Razano
Race 7 – 4.55pm CARLTON DRY CG&E BM 58 HCP (1100M): 2 Devil’s Choice, 1 Elusive Eagle, 10 De Goey
Race 8 – 5.30pm GREAT NORTHERN SUPER CRISP F&M BM 58 HCP (1100M): 5 Memphis Squaw, 7 Innervoice, 4 Dream Song

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