Hawkesbury trainer Daniel Robinson will target the $200,000 Carlton Dry Port Macquarie Cup (2000m) with in-form galloper Karmazone, whereby the winner and runner-up become eligible for the Big Dance at Royal Randwick on Tuesday 1 November.
Karmazone was having his first start since last December when a barnstorming winner at Kembla Grange (1600m) on 10 September, coming from last nearing the home turn.
The chestnut was sent out a $15 chance in that first-up victory, but the win didn't surprise Robinson whose main business is breaking in racehorses and only trains a couple in his spare time along with wife, Alexandra.
"We were pretty confident to be honest," Robinson said. "He had been going extra well leading into the race and we thought he'd take holding out."
Karmazone has since trialled impressively, sitting three-wide throughout and going on to win the 1175m Warwick Farm barrier trial under William Pike.
"I told William the horse is fit and to just keep him on the bridle and let him tick over.
"I didn't expect him to be three-wide with the leaders, anyway it worked out well as he avoided any kickback from the Pro-Ride surface.
"I'm really happy with the horse at the moment and he's working well," Robinson added.
Robinson said he will also enter Karmazone for a 2000m event at Royal Randwick on Saturday and make up his mind which way he heads once he looks through the nominations.
The Port Macquarie Cup is the third last race that carries eligibility for the Big Dance with only the Coonamble Cup next Sunday and the Big Dance Wildcard (Randwick) on 15 October remaining.
The Port Macquarie Cup is supported by the $80,000 Birdon Group Sprint (1200m) and $50,000 Hastings Cup (1500m) on a Racing NSW Country Showcase program carrying $505,000 in prizemoney.
"The carnival kicks off with a Calcutta on Thursday night at the Settlers Inn Hotel hosted by Big Sports Breakfast's Dave Stanley," said Port Macquarie Race Club's Michael Bowman.
"We'll have a large screen TV on the infield and a Fashions on the Field run by Focus Magazine. And there is a courtesy shuttle bus to and from Gordon Street Bus Terminal starting at 11am."
Port Macquarie races again on Saturday with the seven-race Steeline-sponsored TAB raceday.
UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Muswellbrook
Tuesday: Goulburn
Thursday: Armidale
Friday: Port Macquarie
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Albury, Forbes (non-TAB), Collarenebri (non-TAB), Young picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Coonamble
