Thursday, 2 August 2012: Comeback jockey Marlon Dolendo shared the spotlight with Melbourne star Danny Nikolic on the opening day of the Coffs Harbour Cup carnival on Wednesday.
 | Marlon Dolendo
Photo by Racing and Sports | |
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Nikolic continued his love affair with Coffs Harbour by riding the opening three winners but it was Dolendo who took centre stage wit his victory on Ballina-trained Storm Fabulador in the feature the race, the Ken Howard Cup.
Nikolic has now ridden a total of nine winners at the last three Coffs Harbour Cup carnivals and promises to add to the tally with a strong book of rides on Thursday including
Pepperwood 
in the $80,000 Carlton Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m).
However Dolendo's win in the Cabcharge Ken Howard Cup (2100m) was a popular result as it marked his first feature success since he resumed riding in March after spending 14 months out of the saddle recovering from a kidney transplant.
Trainer John Everson said he will now set
Storm Fabulador for the the Taree Cup (2000m) later this month.
"It was only is third run back and the Taree Cup now looks a good race for him,” Everson said.
"He has a lovely 200 metre sprint and I couldn't have asked for a better ride.
"Marlon won the Lismore Cup for me two years ago and ever since I have always enjoyed working with him.
"Since his return it is great to see him finding plenty of success.”
Takeover Target's trainer Joe Janiak, who now runs a10-horse stable at Coffs Harbour, also tasted with
Bondit in the Hospitality Cup.
The win was sweet consolation for Janiak as Bondit missed a run in the Coffs Harbour Cup when drawn as only the third emergency.
“I was hoping would get a Cup start as I was confident he would run well no matter what race he ended up going in,” Janiak said.
“When it was obvious he had little chance of getting into the Cup we took this easier option. I'll take a win anytime.”
