The Neil Godbolt-trained galloper is backing up from a gallant third behind Taree speedster Floral Insight at Port on Monday, that being over 1000m, this being a more suitable 1270m of the Hydrahose Benchmark 74 Handicap.

Three starts ago Better Not Doubt was a fighting second behind Coffs Harbour gelding Geronimo Jack in the Kempsey Cup. On the strength of that good placing, the gelding was given its chance in a race at Newcastle but failed after being caught wide most of the way.

Better Not Doubt hasn’t been further back than third in six of its past 10 starts and deserves a change of luck. It is up against a field where a case for a win can be made for every runner.

The state’s leading country trainer, Luke Griffith, rates six-year-old Scone mare Sugera a top hope on its recent runs. “She had a couple of runs at Canterbury where she drew wide and was posted out there with no luck,” he said.

“She isn’t a kid’s horse to ride and she will appreciate the big track and distance.”

Port trainer Tas Morton has given his six-year-old gelding Overshadows a freshen up since its fourth to Prussian Moon (since raced well) over 1400m at Coffs Harbour on October 12 and last raced well fresh with wins at Coffs and in the Country Cup at Scone.

Taree six-year-old mare Lotsa Lobban, trained by Robert Barnes, and four-year-old Scone gelding Conroy’s Gap should be at longer odds but could represent value as the mare loves this track and the latter won two starts back.

It is certainly a toss of the coin job but a most interesting race. Stitt could be around the money with a few top hopes,one of them being unlucky last start four-year-old mare Bourbondetta in the Hydrahose Class 1 & Maiden Plate over 1624m.

She was well back early on a leader’s track and rattled home for third over 1400m here last start in an apprentice’s race. Taree senior hoop Scott Thurlow takes over and she has worked well since.

“It is her first time at the distance and I expect her to handle it,” Stitt said.