John Schell
Former jockey Samantha McGuren and apprentice Grace Palmer will chase success at Grafton on Tuesday, when the pair combine with three runners set to go around.
McGuren will utilise the services of the three-kilogram claimer Palmer starting with Divine Effort in the Online Tickets @ Graftontickets.com.au Maiden Plate (1708m).
A former Victorian-based galloper, Divine Effort had his first start for McGuren at Ballina last month when finishing fifth.
“The step up in distance at Grafton looks to be in his favour and the prospect of a dry track also should help,” said McGuren. “He was beaten a fair way at Ballina but managed to beat half the field home. I’m looking forward to seeing an improved run.”
Last start Port Macquarie winner Patrioticintention, raced by Clarence River Jockey Club chief executive Michael Beattie, will attempt to make it two in a row when lining up in the GDSC Ramornie Handicap Day 15 July Class 2 Handicap Benchmark 62 Handicap (1408m).
“His best runs of late have been when he’s been racing on the pace, and he won well last time out when he led,” McGuren said.
“He’s back up in distance for Tuesday’s race and with Grace’s claim he gets in with a nice weight. He should push forward and take plenty of beating again.”
Jewels Statement will be the third and final runner for both McGuren and Palmer when starting in the Maclean Bowling Club Macleay Cup Day 19 July Benchmark 82 Handicap (1005m).
“She’s a talented mare that won well at Grafton back in September,” said McGuren. “She had a run at Ballina after that and was spelled. She resumed with a second at Taree last month and the claim will help her, too.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle trainer Kris Lees will rely on one runner at Grafton when producing Elegant Force to line up in the same race as Divine Effort.
To be ridden by Andrew Mallyon, Elegant Force has finished third in each of her latest two starts when beaten less than a length at Grafton and under two lengths at the Gold Coast.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays at racingnsw.com.au
