By Nick Berney
Taree-trained galloper Reateros will travel north in search of a breakthrough win when he contests the Fernhill Tavern Maiden Plate (1200m) at Port Macquarie on Thursday.
The four-year-old resumes from a lengthy spell and looks to have returned well after winning a recent trial at Newcastle.
Racing heads to Port Macquarie on Thursday.Credit:Getty
Further, he found the line well under riding with an apprentice on, and the time was good.
The gelding was solid in his debut preparation after racing well in time/sectional merit events that have subsequently produced multiple winners.
Expect him to run boldly with a favourable map, and a senior rider goes on for race day in Andrew Gibbons.
In addition, he has a dominant ratings profile compared to his rivals and his starting price history supports this.
However, the fit and consistent Canny Prospect coming out of the Todd Howlett yard will be looking to spoil the party.
The relatively lightly raced galloper was brave in defeat last start at Tamworth in a strong time race.
To his credit, he raced wide throughout at a genuine tempo and never shirked his task to the line.
The three-year-old has a fitness edge on his key danger and maps to receive a much more economical run throughout transit.
Trainer Wayne Wilkes saddles up another early favourite in Outreach To Henry, who has been well-backed in early markets after a dominant performance first-up at this track 18 days ago.
He bolted in that day and smashed the clock with the race rating highly. Additionally, the margins throughout were decisive, another factor confirming the strength of the race.
The gelding makes the logical step in grade and will compete in the Beechwood Hotel Class 1 Handicap (1200m), where he looks well-placed.
A repeat of last start would make him hard to catch and, from the inside draw, he looks to be given every chance.
Rend is an improving mare who had factors against first-up at Newcastle and will be looking to make amends here.
She had the pace/bias against her but still ran on well into third. The drop back to country grade suits, and she will undoubtedly be fitter for that effort.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au.
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