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By Tony Megahey

Esteemed Vietnam war veteran Tas Morton has “declared” Mister Smartee for a repeat win in Friday’s TAB $40,000 Akubra Kempsey Cup (1450m) and recalls the grand days when the iconic Ken Howard guest called the race and Tommy Smith won in the formative years.

The seven-year-old carried 57.5kg to an easy win in last year's event and will drop in weight after the 1.5kg claim for apprentice Georgina McDonnell, who was on board when Mister Smartee won the Krambach Cup (1600m) at Taree last month.

“Probably as strong a field as I’ve seen, but he broke a 26-year-old Cup record last year, he’s every bit as good, dominant beating a decent field at Taree - whatever beats us wins,” Tas enthused.

“From last year we’re still weighted well with the claim. He’s fitter for four runs back and come on since Taree where (Georgina) rode him a treat.

Mister Smartee wins the Krambach Cup at Taree

“We’re drawn out but he’s got the turn of foot to lead or race right on the pace. And if there’s rain it’s a bonus.”

Mister Smartee won the Krambach Cup on a heavy 8 track and last year's Kempsey Cup was run on a soft 7.

The gelding is better than each way odds behind Top Me Up Again, trained by former Chris Waller stable foreman Paul Shailer, and top weight Think Free.

“Good trainers with form horses but he’s two wins from three here and unlucky when he ran second,” Morton said.

Meanwhile, Port Macquarie’s Morton acutely recalls the grand old days.

“When Akubra first took up the sponsorship, Ken Howard had his annual holidays at Nambucca Heads, came to the Cup regularly and became a great supporter, I think “TJ” might have won it early days with a horse called Count Radiant but don’t hold me to it,” he said.

At present Kempsey is a good 4 rating in fine weather. Spectators are restricted to 600 ticket holders from last year where near 3000 attended.

All the fields, form and replays for Friday's Kempsey meeting