Despite facing his stiffest his test to date, O’Driscoll was able to take the step to open class with a comprehensive win in the Panthers Handicap feature at Port Macquarie on Tuesday.
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Success for the O’Reilly gelding took his home track record to four wins from seven appearances in accounting for Achi Baba by a length with Melted Moments running home resolutely for third.
The experienced hands of Peter Graham were seen to advantage as the Tas Morton trained galloper came out of the pack with a well-timed run to claim the early pacemaker, Try ‘N’ Run a Muck, and race clear over the concluding stages.
Punters anticipated that O’Driscoll was a horse on the rise and confidently supported the gelding into equal favouritism with Try ‘N’ Run a Muck and their judgement was fully vindicated.
With father, Peter, successful in the day’s highlight aboard O’Driscoll, the family was well represented when Cejay Graham tasted success during the program with Smokin’ Suzy and Sweet Missile.
It was significant that the Marc Quinn-trained Denman mare, Smokin’ Suzy, was patiently ridden near the rear of the field before finishing fast out wide while Sweet Missile set the speed and ran rivals off their feet.
Riding honours were shared with Grant Buckley who claimed a double when Casino Mondial scored for Michael Byers in the third before Lingalonga Lass claimed the inside run to dash clear and take the last event by three lengths.
Traumatised had viewers on their toes with an exciting finishing run to claim Shelley Beach Road in the shadows of the post for a narrow win while the flashy grey, Camayoc, sustained the run to salute for Brooke Stower and Sally Taylor after tracking wide throughout.
Racing was conducted under fine skies on a good track that featured an even covering of grass resulting in six class records being broken.
Early indications favoured an advantage to horses finishing fast down the apex of the track before Sweet Missile led throughout and Lingalonga Lass gained a miraculous run along the rails.
It was great to see so many members and guests of Port Macquarie Panthers taking advantage of the racing activities and the club expresses deep appreciation for the continued support of the organisation.
Racing takes a break over the festive season before the traditional New Year’s Day fixture, which is always a great day featuring top class racing before a sizeable holiday attendance.
The next feature TAB meeting is on Friday, 25th January headed by the time honoured, Queen of the North, while all patrons are encouraged to save the date for the Mid North Coast Country Championship heat on February 17.
The Port Macquarie Race Club would like to wish everyone the very best for Christmas and a safe, happy and successful 2019.
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