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For Kris Lees and his gun apprentice Dylan Gibbons, this season is unfolding like an action replay of 2021’s high achievements into Thursday’s Port Macquarie TAB meeting - transferred from Taree on Tuesday.

While “Port” lost a recent meeting, the rain has abated sufficiently to make it the most viable area option, but the track rating is a daunting Heavy 10 in overcast conditions.

Azarmin and Dylan Gibbons score with ease at Kembla Grange. Image by Bradley Photographers

Meanwhile Lees, with multiple regional training premierships, is on target for another and also a fourth Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championships as Rustic Steel and Geo qualified for next month’s Final at Royal Randwick.

Dylan’s 72 winners have him fourth in the NSW jockey’s title after he finished second with a “ton” in last season’s apprentice’s title to Reece Jones.

Lees, with a double at Tamworth on Sunday, and Dylan riding a winner, are represented in most of the eight races.

Dylan rides four for his boss and others for outside stables. Aaron Bullock and Bailey Wheeler ride the remainder of the stable runners.

Dylan is more hopeful than confident newcomers will handle the extreme conditions. And he regrets he won’t be backing up on the stand-out of the Lees runners.

Performed mare Azarmin is an absolute 'swimmer' and perfectly placed. A Warwick Farm heavy winner last prep for James McDonald and a Kembla runaway by “six” on a Heavy 10, she contests the Mark Prior Farewell Open Handicap (1500m).

“I certainly wish I was on her again, I rode her when she bolted in at Kembla on a bog but when the weights came out and the 61kg, Bailey (Wheeler) got the ride - he claims 2.5kg and I haven’t got the claim,” Dylan explained.

“City-grade mare looks our best for sure. Back in grade after a freshen, big run at Newcastle when I rode her and out to her right distance.”

Bailey rode her in a recent trial. A winner of six races, Azarmin’s success at Kembla was in the Sky Racing Summer Provincial Series and previously “The Farm” win.

Dylan rides Vanbari in the same race and while the gelding has heavy track form and a recent Scone win, he doesn’t have the performance of the topweight.

In early races, Dylan rides newcomers Eva Daniela and Ella Te Ama off trials. However, Do as You’re Told who contest the fourth event has won at Tamworth of soft going.

The course is currently a Heavy 10 but the forecast is for "the slight chance of showers".

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