Perlaact is the youngest of the trio at seven but it was only six weeks ago that trainer Greg Drury was seriously considering retiring the gelding until the galloper won, then again, and again, to make it three wins in a row.

Now Drury is thinking that Perlaact may try a race in Sydney over the holiday period when a suitable one comes along.

A far cry from the leg problems which have plagued the gelding's racing in the past, that fact weighing on Drury's mind as far as retirement was concerned for the horse.

Ironically, the three wins have come around the same time Drury gave up beer but he did admit to maybe having a celebratory one after Perlaact's last win last week.

"I have just been working him on the sand at half-pace and that seems to work for him," said Drury explaining how his charge has responded.

"He needs a lot of luck in his races because he gets back and comes home good over the last 600m."

Apprentice jockey Matthew McGuren said he was worried by the steady pace early and the fact that the track was hard.

"I thought it might take his dash away but he picked them up and carried them."

To which Drury admitted to not having a drink for five weeks because his blood sugar was up, but he could have relented without too much impugnity.

Nine-year-old Kwila's Law, trained by Luke Griffith, was having its 100th start and made it win 11 with a well-timed finish over 2000m, its first win at the distance.

It has been runner-up on 23 occasions, along with having a dozen thirds, it being a model of consistency in earning over $200,000 prizemoney.

"He should have won at Muswellbrook last start and he has been runner-up in so many country cups, such as Quirindi, Coonabarabran and Armidale he's been unlucky.

"He has been a professional placegetter, he enjoys racing and he is sound.

"I thought he was well handicapped even though he hasn't won over 2000m," said Griffith.

Apprentice jockey Beg Hoey had her first win at Taree on the gelding, it being her 18th.

Being formerly from Victoria, she has ridden in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and had a winner at Bathurst recently.

As for Mighty Obvious, the eight-year-old from the John McNair stable, has had nine wins and 15 placings in 60 starts for prizemoney around $323,000, and is a favourite with those associated with the galloper.

"The horse struggles a bit in town these days but has been in good form," said stable foreman Greg Whitehead.

Cessnock jockey Robert Thompson said Mighty Obvious travelled comfortably and was "a bit too classy".

"He has a few more wins in him yet," he said.

Johnny's Dream

ANOTHER old fella, eight-year-old Cessnock gelding Johnny's Dream, came from last to score for newcomer to training, Kim Waters, at the same meeting.

"He backs up and is tough as nails," said Waters of the gelding having its second win at its 45th start.

The only reason she got into training is that her father, John Hipwell, owns Johnny's Dream and it got distraught when not around home in familiar surroundings.

"We are very proud of him (the horse) because he tries his heart out and has been so unlucky on many occasions.

"I was going to give him a spell but after that win, I might keep him going.

"Two months ago I quit my job with great pleasure to take up training.

"I love horses and only got into training by accident to take care of my father's horse.

"Now I have got six in training," said Waters.

The gelding's rider, apprentice Chelsea Jokic is only 18 and notched her 33rd win in a short career.

Sunday races

DON'T forget to be part of the big "Santa Comes Early" family day at the races with a seven-race TAB card conducted by Taree Wingham Race Club this Sunday.

Santa will be making a visit, along with NBN's Big Dog, and there will be Christmas show bags for the children and a jumping castle to keep them entertained.

A young racegoer's Fashions On The Field competition will be held for those five to 14 years with some worthwhile prizes.

A special bus will bring racegoers from Forster, leaving at 11.30am.

I will preview the meeting in Friday's edition.