For Dylan Gibbons, Newcastle’s annual stand-alone Saturday meeting means far more than just another stop on the racing calendar. Born and raised in the city, Gibbons began his career there under leading trainer Kris Lees, making the track a sentimental favourite as well as the site of one of his most memorable early wins.

It was at Newcastle that Gibbons claimed his first black-type success, guiding Festival Dancer to victory in the 2021 Spring Stakes for trainer Matt Smith — a moment he still recalls fondly.

“That was three or four years ago. I’m starting to feel like I’m an old jockey,” the now Sydney-based rider laughed.

“I love it there. The other boys don’t because it’s two hours down the freeway, but I used to do that all the time.

“It is one of my favourite tracks. Not because I grew up there but it’s a spacious track. It’s a beautiful area and it’s good to get back and see some family and friends.”

This weekend, Gibbons will be a busy man with eight rides across the ten-race program, including all three feature events. His standout mount appears to be Queensland Derby winner Maison Louis ($5.50) in the Listed The Beauford (2300m).

Maison Louis finished powerfully for third behind Lindermann in the Hill Stakes (1900m) two starts back but struggled in the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m), where Gibbons said the horse was unsuited by the soft, shifting surface.

“He was a little bit disappointing the other day, but I put that down to the rain on the day,” Gibbons said.

“He travelled so well in the run. He travelled on the back of the winner and the moment I clicked him up he just completely lost his way. If you watch the replay, he gets himself on a weird angle and he was floating. I thought he didn’t handle the track and visually, it looks the same way.

“His work suggests he has gotten over that run and I’m very happy with where he’s at.”

With Pocketing scratched early, 13 runners will face the starter in The Beauford, with Maison Louis on the second line of betting behind $5 equal favourites Future History and Grand Pierro, who ran third to Melbourne Cup hero Half Yours in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m).

Gibbons will also partner Infancy for Lees in the $1 million The Hunter (1300m) and Pinot Nero for long-time supporter John Ramsey in the Spring Stakes (1600m).

If you’re betting on The Beauford or The Hunter this weekend, explore the latest markets at JustHorseRacing’s bookmakers page.