Connections of Chamisal are poised for a tilt at the Country Championships series following a dominant victory in the Woodbridge Glass Benchmark 66 Handicap at Port Macquarie on Friday, January 10.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The flashy chestnut was quietly ridden and came down the outside with a well-timed run to claim Da Power in the shadows of the post and score with Triple Choice holding third narrowly in front of Base Camp.
Success in the event continued the gelding's spotless record at the track. It presents a concern for prominent local trainer, John Sprague, as the $150,000 Mid North Coast Racing Association Country Championship heat is to be conducted this year at Taree instead of Port.
As this win was only the son of Helmet's second run from a spell, there is plenty of encouragement surrounding Chamisal and connections could be presented with a welcome tonic following a recent sale deferral.
Robert Thompson has a strong association with the Sprague stable and his ability to nurse the galloper quietly allowing for the weight impost of 61.5 kgs proved the decisive factor in the victory.
Thompson continued his impeccable riding record when Island Grange landed good wagers for the Les Tilly stable as the talented mare came down the outside for a resounding win in the last event by defeating Red Light Dancer.
A riding double was also earned by Koby Jennings when Café Royal scored a debut victory in the second event before Gironde saluted in the Entires and Geldings Benchmark 58 Handicap later in the afternoon.
Café Royal is a recent transfer from the team Hawkes establishment to the Newcastle stable of Nathan Doyle with the Snitzel filly responsible for an impressive win over Meyisti while Gironde was a handy winner over Titus to continue a solid record at the north coast track for the stable.
A spirited betting move in the opening race on Stonecold Flex was thwarted when Brooke Stower led throughout on the Paul Perry trained filly, Sister Ellie, to land the prize on debut over What a Cracker.
Following some recent encouraging efforts by the Sidestep filly, My Desire broke her maiden status for the Kristen Buchanan and Ben Looker combination with a solid victory over Strawberry Bear and Submission in the third event while Annalysium blew punters away in the opening leg of the main quadrella when saluting at bolters odds.
Keen racing judges believed they witnessed a stayer of the future when Torrens and Noriyuki Masuda came down the outside to claim the middle-distance event at the colt's third official start.
The son of Adelaide gave the tearaway leaders many lengths before finishing over the top of his rivals to score from Genghis Khan with the victory keeping the Ethan Ensby trained galloper's unblemished record intact.
Racing was conducted under fine skies on a good four surface with racing dominated early by on speed runners before winners began successful moves down the centre of the track later in the day.
The club would like to acknowledge the continued support of valued sponsors for the successful day including Woodbridge Glass, Hire Port, B-Safe Storage Solutions, Programmed Property Maintenance, Greg Keft Electrical, McGrath Real Estate, and Hastings Fresh Meats.
All roads lead to Port for the $60,000 Queen of the North Handicap day on Friday 24th January with nominations for this time-honoured eight race program closing on the Monday prior at 11am.
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
If you value local journalism, continue to support us and consider taking out a subscription. CLICK HERE for a 30-day free trial.