Following an outstanding second behind Hydrazine in The Jackal feature at Grafton two weeks ago, Patriot looks to be the stand out runner in the Oxyoptia Open Handicap at Port Macquarie on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Reward for Effort gelding positioned well back on the home turn and came with a strong run down the outside to be beaten only half a length on that occasion with a repetition of the effort providing plenty of confidence for the Port assignment.
Form prior includes a successful resumption over Neretva at his home track following a spell of five months and his astute trainer, John Sprague, looks to continue his recent run of success.
It is significant that the stable has engaged the services of champion jockey, Robert Thompson, for the ride and Patriot should be greatly assisted by being allowed a quiet early journey before using the advantage of finishing quickly down the outside in the home straight.
Dangers in the event look to be the Margaret De Gonneville trained gelding, Golden Comet, who was narrowly defeated by Shelley Beach Road in a similar class event last month while Wewonya is back to a more suitable race than recent assignments.
Lobban Hood is facing her most difficult assignment for Taree trainer, Robert Barnes, but is a mare on the rise following recent victories at Taree and Grafton.
The Dane Fever mare was impressive when accounting for Illia at her last start three weeks ago and plenty of form students will be keen to gauge how Lobban Hood acquits herself on Friday.
The program opens with a maiden event and the Brett Cavanough trained gelding, Sunday Patrol, is facing the starter for the first time following steady trial performances at Muswellbrook and Newcastle.
It is significant the stable has engaged the services of Andrew Gibbons for the ride with a close analysis of market activities set to provide a pointer regarding the chances for the son of Fast and Famous.
The following race provides a strong clash between Direct Vision and Autumn Rain with both possessing strong credentials to break their maiden status.
Both are lightly raced youngsters with Direct Vision's last run for trainer, Kristen Buchanan, resulting in a sound third behind The Cyprian at Scone with Autumn Rain debuting for a narrow second in the same event.
Campari Soda deserves to break through for success in the fourth event for Barry Ratcliff following recent placings at Port and Grafton while Good Excuse looks well placed in the Class 2 following a good run behind Editors a fortnight ago.
The assignment for the Strada filly won't be easy as Foxy's Foxinator and Dew Drop look set to provide the stiffest opposition following strong recent performances in the district.
The program concludes with Can I Rock earning top weight following an encouraging performance at Newcastle behind Gunnaza providing an interesting clash with the last start Muswellbrook winner, Emmy's Our Girl.
The Port Macquarie Race Club is delighted to acknowledge the support of Oxyoptia, who are leaders in the field of digital signage and software solutions, together with Carlton and United Breweries, Schweppes, John Oxley Motors, Barrier Signs, Prime Local News, De Bortoli Wines and tab.com.au in the staging of the program.
The eight-event program commences at 12.15pm and the prospect of fine weather should ensure improving track conditions with large crowd of holiday makers expected to take advantage of the first-class trackside facilities on offer.