The Warren Gavenlock-trained galloper was perfectly positioned just off the pace during the early sections of the event before hooking to the outside and challenging for the lead on the point of the home turn.

Wendy Peel dashed the Not a Single Doubt gelding to a clear lead from Monaco Sniper and was able to sustain the run to the line and survive the finishing efforts of Ruby Two Shoes and Mister Smartee.

While the preview carried different conditions to the district qualifier in two weeks, the performances of Monaco Sniper and Mister Smartee were full of merit with Phelpedo running a sound race despite being challenged by the pattern of racing.

The outstanding run of the day was the Ethan Ensby trained gelding, Partnership, who came from a seemingly impossible position under the expert guidance of evergreen rider, Jasen Watkins, to claim the distance event in the last stride.

Oakfield Geronimo debuted with victory in the opening race while the Mollie Partridge and Neil Godbolt combination were successful when Victory in Paris landed the prize in race five.

Golden Comet resumed from a recent spell with a narrow victory in the Benchmark 66 Handicap and presents bright prospects for local mentor, Margaret De Gonneville, while Bridie’s Brook defied her bolters odds with success in race four.

Gumshoe was a last start winner by five lengths on the track but was no match for the finishing burst of Neretva, who came from near last with Ben Looker in the saddle to land the final event.

A successful days racing commenced under overcast skies before a good crowd of holiday makers and racing enthusiasts on a good four rated track that generally raced well early in the day.

This pattern of racing was accentuated after rain commenced to fall before the fifth event with the track downgraded to a soft five which presented some advantage to horses making ground out wide.

The racing action featured some very close and exciting finishes with horses spread right across the track keeping the judge busy throughout the day.

All roads now lead to Port on February 17 for the Mid North Coast Racing Association Country Championships Qualifier.

All support races on the program have been granted Showcase status by Racing NSW meaning the events will carry minimum prizemoney of $30,000 per race.

Local aspirants have the opportunities to represent the district in the Country Championships Final at Randwick on April 6.