Comeback jockey Marlon Dolendo shared the spotlight with Melbourne star Danny Nikolic on the opening day of the Coffs Harbour Cup carnival on Wednesday.

Hopes are high that a long drought for local stables can be broken in Thursday's $80,000 Carlton Mid Coffs Harbour Gold Cup.

Last Sunday's Bowraville Cup winner Bondit will back up in the $45,000 South Grafton Cup this weekend providing he pleases trainer Joe Janiak after his hard-fought win.

In-form galloper Prince Of Prague can continue his good form on a rain-sodden track in today's Promin Australia Wauchope Cup (race 8) at Port Macquarie.

Handy galloper Naynay can bounce back to winning form in today's Casino RSM Club Beef Week Cup (race 7) at Casino.