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By Rod Fuller

With the benefit of an impressive barrier trial performance under her belt, Nicci Trix is poised to return to the winner’s circle in the 4 Pines Pacific Ale on Tap Class 2 Handicap at the Port Macquarie race meeting this Friday.

The daughter of Nicconi last appeared at Coffs Harbour in December and provided a dominant performance in accounting for Standing Bear by just under three lengths before being sent to the spelling paddock by prominent local trainer, Jenny Graham.

Port Macquarie-based trainer Jenny Graham

Nicci Trix returned to Port track last Saturday and was responsible for an imposing trial performance when accounting for Hubble by just under five lengths and provided sound evidence that an early campaign victory was anticipated.

With two overall wins from four race starts, the filly looks to be the rising star of the Graham stable and provides every indication that a campaign heading towards the $1.3 million country feature at Randwick in October, The Kosciuzsko, is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Whatyoulookingat is poised to provide the testing material in the event with the John Sprague-trained filly responsible for a solid victory last Saturday while Sister Ellie is unbeaten at the Port track following a dominant recent win in similar company over Mosh Vain on the same program.

Racing commences with an interesting clash between Unwavering Faith and Curioso and both gallopers are deserving to break their maiden status following impressive placings over the past few weeks.

Curioso was far from disgraced when beaten under a length by Ramsey’s Law at Scone in February before a recent second at Newcastle with the Tony Ball stable engaging Ben Looker to pilot the I am Invincible gelding.

Unwavering Faith was narrowly defeated by Schiller’s Myst last month at Muswellbrook and put the writing on the wall for a forward showing in the race after a solid second behind Mon Amore last weekend.

The Sebring filly is trained by Nathan Doyle and the stable also has bright prospects in the sixth event with Euroworld while Tequila Cabos will attempt to defend her undefeated status in the final race following a strong initial victory on heavy ground at Coffs Harbour.

Congratulations go out to popular local trainer, Karen Owen, on reaching a birthday milestone with everyone in the district ready to toast her continued success when Seething Seb and Cross Eyed Mary compete on the program.

The course proper has recovered particularly well from the recent downpour and further promising weather conditions and strong drying winds should provide the best possible racing surface.

The Port racing complex continues to be a COVID-19 safe venue and it is important to follow all the procedures and guidelines applicable with everyone encouraged to download the Services NSW app prior to attending to make entry easier.

General admission tickets are available on raceday and further details regarding tickets and seating arrangements in the Livermore Stand and Clydesdale Room are available by contacting the club on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au

If you have cold or flu like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose, even if these are mild, you will not be permitted to the course and you should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.

Races on the program carry the names of Carlton Dry, Great Northern, 4 Pines Pacific Ale, De Bortoli Wines, John Oxley Motors, Schweppes, and Trackside Photography with the club encouraging everyone to support these fine products.

Punters will be able to follow all the action of the local program together with full coverage of cup day from Orange on the screens of Sky Racing with comprehensive trackside wagering facilities available.

SELECTIONS
Race 1, 12.40pm SCHWEPPES MDN HCP (1500M): 2 Unwavering Faith, 4 Curioso, 8 Rainbow Man
Race 2, 1.15pm TRACKSIDE PH'GRAPHY 2YO (1000M): 3 Dawntillarvi, 12 Little Prophet, 11 Adelinda
Race 3, 1.55pm DE BORTOLI WINES MDN PLATE (3YO+) (1000M): 11 Two Gems, 9 Oh Say, 1 Pollard
Race 4, 2.35pm JOHN OXLEY MOTORS MDN (1200M): 1 Ralph’s Folly, 11 Hasalake,12 Superior One
Race 5, 3.10pm 4 PINES PACIFIC ALE ON TAP CL2 (1000M): 3 Nicci Trix, 6 Whatyoulookingat, 8 Sister Ellie
Race 6, 3.45pm GREAT NTHN ON TAP BM58 (1500M): 7 Euroworld, 10 Firefly Poppy, 3 Condover Hall
Race 7, 4.25pm CARLTON DRY ON TAP BM66 HCP (1200M): 1 Eighth Immortal, 2 Meyer, 7 Dr Demon
Race 8, 5.05pm CHEERS TO 60 KAREN OWEN CL1 (1200M): 11 Faatinaat, 12 Tequila Cabos, 10 Contributingfactor

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