Heightened interest from leading metropolitan and provincial trainers has ensured Friday's $200,000 Carlton Draught Port Macquarie Cup is shaping up to be one of the best fields presented for this prestigious event.
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The champion stable of Chris Waller has earmarked six horses for the club's feature with the last start Toowoomba Cup winner, Alward, and the recent Listed Rowley Mile winning mare, Savacool, heading a strong contingent.
Other stable chances include Across Dubai, Mastaff, Pancho and Mantastic with the latter responsible for a respectable effort in the Group 3 JRA Cup at Moonee Valley behind Al Galayel at his last outing.
Kris Lees has been a wonderful supporter of racing on the north coast and has entered a trio of candidates headed by Top Prospect, who has been narrowly defeated in a recent start at Doomben before being placed behind Tavion Prince in the Lismore Cup a fortnight ago.
Aliferous and Articus possess strong form lines for the premiership winning stable and the pair will appreciate the firm track conditions anticipated for Friday's event.
Entente was responsible for a benchmark 88 victory at Rosehill last start when accounting for Vegas Jewel by a narrow margin and heads the representation from the Randwick training establishment of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
It should be noted that the son of Dundeel is a black type winner last season following victory in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes at Randwick while their other stable entrant, Knights Order, provides plenty of interest.
The well credentialled British import was spelled following a resounding victory at Sandown Park (UK) over a suitable distance in September 2018 and it is significant the So You Think gelding has been given two steady trials at Warwick Farm before being entered for the cup.
The local influence centres around Tom's Knight and Cogliere, who are exempted from the ballot following their efforts in the Stowe Australia Port Cup Prelude, while cases can also be made for strong performances by Dew Drop and Ready for Danger.
With Sikandarabad attempting to repeat his comprehensive victory in the Coffs Harbour Cup and Get the Idea looking to complete the hat-trick of wins for the John Sargent yard, the stage is set for a memorable event.
The Showcase status allotted by Racing NSW has resulted in a massive number of 184 nominations for the fixture with the club highly delighted by the strong interest in the support races, including $70,000 Birdon Group Sprint and the $50,000 Fastplast Building Supplies Hastings Cup.
The continuation of Coronavirus health regulations and government restrictions has forced the club to limit the attendance figure available for Friday's meeting.
Due to the limited number of tickets available for owners on both Cup day and Saturday, there is a limited six owners per horse maximum.
Ticketing registration opens after close of nominations by emailing admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au with the names and contact numbers of the owners wishing to attend together with the horse name and race name.
Depending on interest and acceptances, more ticketing may become available after acceptances close.
All emails will be replied to within 24 hours after acceptances close and a further assessment will be made regarding the issuing of tickets leading up to race day.
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