By COLIN HODGES

BACK in action after an injury enforced lay off, jockey Andrew Banks was at his best when winning on Epica on Friday at the Coonamble meeting which had been transferred from Moree due to flooding at that town.

Formerly from Gulargambone and a successful Sydney based jockey for many years, Andrew Banks is renowned for his powerful riding in a close finish.

Trained at Gilgandra by Kieren Hazleton, Epica was midfield to the home turn in the 1400 metres Dad & Dave Turf & Evergreen Turf Maiden Plate.

Taking the lead, Epica ($17) was strongly challenged but fought on gamely to win by a short head from Camp Cove (Julia Presits,$15) with Holly Road (Jake Pracey-Holmes,$5) filling third place.

Camp Cove, placed 9 times but still winless after 33 starts, backed up the next day at Dubbo and recorded yet another placing when a close second to Shubick.

ABOVE: Ron Lynch from Baradine, Shane Horan and Jack Barrett.

Making it 3 wins and a second placing from 4 starts since being transferred to Dubbo trainer Brett Robb, Morgenstern (Clayton Gallagher,$2.60 to $2.20 favourite) finished strongly to beat the leader Heredero (Kelsey Lenton,$10) and Larynx (Shayleigh Ingelse,$17) in the 1200 metres Geronimo Farm Equipment Benchmark 66 Handicap.

The very much in form Clayton Gallagher had earlier won the 1100 metres Inland Petroleum Class 1 Handicap on the Sue Grills, Tamworth trained Just In Reach ($4 to $2.60 favourite).

ABOVE: Dennis Wrigley and Rick Murray try and pick a winner with the best seats at the track!

Tamworth stables had a good day with their other winners being Mr Severino (Ben Looker,$3.50) trained by Sue Grills, Shamalie (Ashley Morgan, $3.30) trained by Cameron Crockett and Giftgiver (Chelsea Hillier, $4.20) trained by Cody Morgan.

From the Brett Thompson stable at Gulgong, Apollo Star (Mikayla Weir,$5.50) led throughout in the 1100 metres Keady & Nalder Families Maiden Plate while the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained Wonfontein (Julia Presits) as a $31 outsider came from fourth when winning the 1400 metres Nutrien Ag Benchmark 58 Handicap.

With so many meetings washed out over recent months in New South Wales, trainers were relieved to have their horses racing on a good track at Coonamble.