Latest News

By Rod Fuller

An encouraging placing in the Wauchope Cup last weekend provides plenty of confidence around the chances of Mister Smartee in the Great Northern Brewing Company Open Handicap at Port Macquarie on Tuesday.

The performance indicates the Smart Missile gelding is close to the form exhibited when previously in work which included creditable efforts in feature cup races around the Hunter and North Western districts.

Astute trainer, Tas Morton, is well aware of his galloper’s distinct appreciation for the local circuit resulting in a successful strike rate of fifty percent from eight overall runs.

With a combination of a strong record over the distance and positives around the ability to race well at the commencement of campaigns, Mister Smartee will provide the testing material in the premier race on the card.

The major threat centres around Seeingisbelieving as the Kim Waugh-trained gelding comes into the event with solid efforts in Wyong and Newcastle barrier trials in preparation for the assignment.

The son of Sebring was responsible for strong efforts in high-grade races over longer journeys around the metropolitan tracks when last in work and has already amassed over $100,000 in prizemoney.

Seeingisbelieving does possess a strong first-up record and can handle rain-affected going which provides plenty of positives from keen form students around his chances.

Other hopes include Decroux, who has earned topweight following victories at Kembla and Canterbury when previously in work, while Evopex and Eurogem should be considered.

Hypertension is poised for victory in the opening event following a sound second on debut when beaten under a length by Sir Swayze at Grafton.

With the loss of Coffs Harbour due to track conditions on Friday, Brett Dodson is sweating on a forward effort from the Love Conquers All gelding in preparation for the Clarence River Jockey Club July Carnival.

The Jeremy Sylvester stable is attacking the fifth event with a hope that De Goey can repeat his most recent effort when handling the heavy ground at Muswellbrook with a dominant victory by just over four lengths.

The Pluck gelding is named after star Collingwood midfielder, Jordon De Goey, with the clash against Crackaview and Crowned Empress providing an interesting subplot to the card.

Ducale was responsible for an outstanding third at the track last weekend with the Paul Perry-trained mare looking well placed for success in the final event with this run under her belt.

Despite holding up particularly well to the recent drenching of rain in the days surrounding the Wauchope Cup meeting, officials are hoping for fine weather to improve the track surface as Tuesday’s program approaches.

The club would like to acknowledge the continued support provided by Great Northern Brewing Company, De Bortoli Wines, John Oxley Motors, Schweppes, Carlton Dry, Prime 7 News and the Settlers Inn.

Coronavirus restrictions remain an evolving scenario with action continuing at the Port Macquarie track under strict protocols set in place by Racing NSW together with Government and Health officials.

Trainers, strappers, jockeys, officials, track staff and mostly essential personnel continue as the only persons admitted, which will prevent owners and members of the public from attending.

Punters will be able to follow all the action live from Port, Hawkesbury and the supporting race meetings through the screens of Sky Racing and comprehensive wagering facilities will be provided by Tabcorp.

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 12.30pm PRIME7 LOCAL NEWS MAIDEN HCP (1206M): 7 Hypertension, 3 Areya Tuchuzy, Graziano
Race 2 – 1.05pm SETTLERS INN MAIDEN PLATE (1506M): 5 Krayzelburg, 6 Man and Superman, 9 Scorching Zorro
Race 3 – 1.40pm CARLTON DRY CLASS 1 HCP (1506M): 1 Hay There McNair, 3 Nombuso, 2 Stratacheva
Race 4 – 2.15pm GREAT NORTHERN BREWING COMPANY OPEN HCP (1506M): 4 Mister Smartee, 3 Seeingisbelieving, 8 Eurogem
Race 5 – 2.55pm SCHWEPPES CLASS 1 HCP (1006M): 2 Crackaview, 1 De Goey, 7 Crowned Empress
Race 6 – 3.35pm DE BORTOLI WINES BENCHMARK 66 HCP (1106M): 6 Inwithachance, 4 Typhoon Bonny, 2 Okay Boss
Race 7 – 4.10pm JOHN OXLEY MOTORS CLASS 2 HCP (1206M): 5 Ducale, 4 Two Up, 3 Sugar Baby

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