With a start in the Kempsey Cup firmly on the agenda, First Time Lucky took the progression with a strong performance to salute in the I T W Buildex Class 3 Handicap as the curtain came down on a successful carnival at Port Macquarie on Saturday.
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Barry Ratcliff had sights set on his Hinchinbrook gelding winning the event to become eligible for the hometown feature and Ray Spokes didn't let the side down as he powered down the outside to claim the early leader, Yu Long Sheng Hui, near the finishing line.
First Time Lucky landed the prize in dashing fashion and has stepped up in grade from the recent victory at Grafton to success in the Class 3 event, indicating the ambitious campaign is certainly within reach.
The Kempsey Cup has eluded Ratcliff in a career stretching more than 30 years with horses under his care being placed in a long and distinguished training career with First Time Lucky providing strong ammunition to break the drought.
