The clock's ticking until Nathan Tinkler sells off his racing empire and one of his most sought-after gallopers can leave with a parting gift where it all began for the embattled mining magnate.
Australian Derby placegetter Hooked is due to line up as a Cameron Handicap hopeful to kick-start Newcastle's two-day carnival on Wednesday. Hooked also holds an entry in the Bill Ritchie Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.
Having already offloaded the Newcastle Knights, and preparing to do the same with the Newcastle Jets, the irony would not be lost on many should Tinkler pillage some last racing riches from his hometown.
All of Patinack Farm's assets will go under the hammer at an unreserved Magic Millions dispersal sale from September 28 as Tinkler prepares to wipe a $40 million debt with businessman Gerry Harvey. Hooked is tipped to be one of the breeding and racing operation's most valuable assets.
Trainer John Thompson has booked Blake Shinn for the ride in the group 3 Cameron Handicap, which features a disappointing field of just nine.
The carnival will also hold special significance for Kris Lees, who will play a numbers game in a bid to break his Newcastle Cup duck. But his more immediate concern is Slow Pace's potential Epsom trial in Wednesday's Cameron Handicap.
The top Newcastle trainer will again roll out a strong team during his hometown two-day carnival. It's the presence of Mackinnon Stakes hopeful Slow Pace, who could end up in Hong Kong after the spring carnival, which interests most.
Syndicator Australian Bloodstock has beefed up Lees' team in the past year and Slow Pace only narrowly missed in Newcastle's Newmarket Handicap on his Australian debut in March.
"It's probably his first real spell since we've had him," Lees said after testing the waters at group 1 level in the Doncaster and Doomben Cup.
"He raced really well first-up last preparation and he got beat by a head in the Newmarket. I don't know if he's quite as forward as that time, but I'm pleased with how he's come up off one trial. He'll improve off whatever he does. If there's any pace generated into the race, he will be strong late."
The Epsom or Craven Plate is likely to keep Slow Pace in Sydney before heading south. Lees wants to see something in the Cameron Handicap before finalising Melbourne targets.
"I still think they need to show you something first-up," he said. "The track will suit and he's in good order. On paper, the race appears to lack a bit of speed with a small field, but if they bunch coming to the corner, then you'd still like to think he'll be strong late."
Slow Pace is an $11 chance with Ladbrokes for the Cameron Handicap with last-start Rowley Mile winner Mr Chard a $4.20 favourite. Hooked is on the second line of betting at $5.
Australian Bloodstock will provide two of Lees' three Newcastle Cup runners on Thursday via Oriental Lady (Brenton Avdulla) and Ay No Digas (James McDonald). Taree Cup winner Slivovitz rounds out his trio.
"I don't know whether it's a classic Newcastle Cup and there's certainly no Green Moons sneaking into the field," Lees said. "All three are going into the race in good order so they're chances."
