Image: Trackside Photography.
While the recent rain has been a welcome relief for many regions, it’s led to race meeting cancellations and postponements, particularly in the state’s north.
Despite these challenges, Port Macquarie got through its nine-race card on Monday, hosting the extended program on a heavy surface; a feat they should be credited for in the current climate.
One trainer to benefit was Grafton’s Samantha McGuren, who prepared two impressive victories.
Catching the eye was Patrioticintention, who romped in for a 4.29 length win for apprentice jockey, Grace Palmer.
A $9 chance as the gates opened in the 1206m Class Two Handicap, Patrioticintention was ridden in the back half of the field from gate four.
The Starspangledbanner gelding revelled in the trying conditions and benefited from the apprentice’s three-kilogram claim, with Palmer taking the 6YO on a wide run and to the outside before powering to a dominant win.
Patrioticintention has now started six times on heavy surfaces, with the mudlark landing a win and four minor placings.
Two races later, and McGuren had Dusan contesting the 1106m Benchmark 58 Handicap for another apprentice jockey, Olivia Dalton.
Despite boasting good prior form on heavy surfaces, the Grafton galloper started an $8 chance in the six-horse field but also enjoyed the wet conditions and Dalton’s two-kilogram claim, storming home down the outside for a two-length victory.
The five-year-old Exosphere gelding has now won four races, with three of those arriving on rain-affected surfaces.
McGuren’s in-form stable will turn its attention to meetings at Coffs Harbour on Friday and Wauchope on Saturday, with a handful of runners nominated across both meetings.
