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Gary Harley's Last Word - Newcastle (Sat)

The most recent Newcastle race meeting on June 9 was frustrating for Wyong trainer Damien Lane when his trio of three-year-old’s all finished second in their respective events.

On Saturday, the former Coonamble front row forward returns to the Newcastle track with the same three gallopers and the big fella is confident of a change of fortune.

Lane will saddle up Oakfield Missile in the 1200 metre Maiden Plate, Oakfield Captain in the 1400 metre Class 2 Handicap and Oakfield Twilight which runs in the 1200 metre Benchmark 65 Handicap. Oakfield Missile was brave when beaten a nose by the promising The Big Vin on this track two weeks back.

The filly looked the winner when she shot clear in the straight only to be nailed on the post. She was only a length and a half away from the smart Rebel Cry at Newcastle two starts back. It’s a drop in class for Oakfield Missile on Saturday and she has an ideal barrier.

Oakfield Captain is one of three chances for Damien Lane at Newcastle on Saturday. Credit: Bradley Photos.

Oakfield Captains only win in five starts was at Newcastle in November and he put the writing on the wall when beaten a head on June 9. He carted the field up to the tearaway leader in the straight but was run down in the shadows of the post.

Oakfield Twilight has speed to burn and he was run down last after being a clear leader on the home turn at the last meeting. Saturdays field has more depth, however, he will be fitter for his first up run on a heavy track.

The ‘Oakfield’ trio are raced by the former mayor of Post Stephens, Bruce Mackenzie.

Lane suggested Oakfield Missile was his best chance.

“Oakfield Missile is well placed on Saturday and she ticks all the boxes,” he said.

The filly has good gate speed and after she handled the heavy track so well last start, a predicted soft track won’t be a problem. Two starts back Oakfield Missile contested a Class 2 and went really well.

This is the filly’s race and she is my best chance. Oakfield Captain has a wide barrier but he is going well. He was unlucky last start after the tearaway leader stopped his momentum.

Oakfield Twilight has come on since his first up run and he will roll forward again. The soft draw enhances his chance and this is a winnable race.” Lane said.

The recently married Lane moved from Coonamble to Wyong ten years ago and he has gradually built up his team to around 25 to 30 horses at any one time.

The highlight of the meeting is the 900 metre Class 2 Handicap which has drawn together a cracking group of short coursers. Puppet Master is unbeaten in two starts at Newcastle and he is first up after a recent trial in which he was hard held all the way. On December 23 he recorded the second fastest time over the Newcastle 900 metre course since the current track was opened. Puppet Master came home the last 600 in 31-91 that day.

All Carisma has blistering speed and he resumes after an impressive barrier trial performance. He was runner up to Puppet Master on the track in December before an easy Canterbury win.

Invincible Gangsta broke the Scone 900 metre record in March and he is a winner over this trip on this track.

Stablemates Marishka and Right As Rain also have sound credentials.

View the fields, form and race replays for Saturday's Newcastle meeting here.

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