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By Brenton Le Grand

Luke Hilton believes a former Queenslander can aim up at Port Macquarie on Tuesday, as Master Magic Al has his first start for the Gosford-based trainer.

Formerly trained by Liam Birchley at Eagle Farm, the four-year-old Magic Albert gelding lines up in the Xtravagent at Newhaven Park Maiden Handicap over 1208m. Hilton has had success first-up with tried horses before, when She Excites saluted on debut for his stable at $51 at Mudgee last year.

“Being by Magic Albert we know he handles the going, and I think it will be a bit rain-affected there on Tuesday,” Hilton said. “He’s been placed in town up in Queensland, so hopefully he can measure up at Port.”

Later in the card, Hilton saddles up Written In Vain in the Oxley Rural Supplies BM 55 Handicap over 1512m. Another horse Hilton acquired as a tried conveyance, this four-year-old Written Tycoon mare has been extremely consistent of late with a win and two placings from her past three outings for the Hilton camp.

“She’s always been thereabouts for us and has been such a great horse for her large group of owners,” Hilton said. “She’s drawn well on Tuesday, and the 2kg claim from Louise Day will help us at the weights.”

Hilton is experiencing a consistent run of late with two winners and four placings from his past 13 runners, and with a team of 12 in work, is always looking for his next good horse.

“We’ve had a bit of luck being given some tried horses,” Hilton said. “Hopefully we can keep building the team and continue getting some winners for our connections.”

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Port Macquarie here