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By Mark Brassel

Scone-based trainer Scott Singleton is targeting speed machine Remlaps Gem at this week’s rich XXXX Gold July Racing Carnival at Grafton.

Singleton has entered the gelding in Thursday’s $75,000 Sir James Kirby Quality over 1000m.

Remlaps Gem knows one thing, to “get out and run” and the big fellow will be in his element over the 1000m journey at Grafton.

Remlaps Gem (Jay Ford) leads all the way at Scone. Image by Bradley Photographers

The gelding has won four of his 10 starts – virtually all by leading the field clearly – and bolted in at his latest appearance over 1000m at Scone on June 15.

Remlaps Gem is among a plethora of nominations including last-start winners Atilla (Coonamble Cannonball), Golden Avenger (Dubbo), Isalute (Scone), Jule’s Spirit (Kempsey), Lord Tony (Gunnedah) and Rifles (Newcastle).

Meanwhile, the State’s leading jockey Blaike McDougall has already picked up a couple of Grafton carnival rides.

McDougall makes his debut at Grafton on Wednesday aboard Poetic Charmer in the $200,000 Grafton District Services Club Ramornie Handicap (1200m) while he will partner Maid of Ore in Thursday’s $200,000 Maclean Hotel Grafton Cup (2350m).

The hoop is taking advantage of Sydney’s top riders being grounded due to the lockdown in Greater Sydney.

McDougall is enjoying an excellent season having booted home 178 winners nationally and he is keen to press current leader, West Australia’s Chris Parnham (185 wins) for the Australian title.

He leads the State premiership race with 167 winners, eight ahead of Tommy Berry.

McDougall is clocking up the kilometres in his quest to claim Australia’s top spot, having had seven rides at Nowra on Friday, six at Gundagai yesterday and he has a full book of nine mounts at Wagga on Monday.

There are COVID restrictions mapped out for the Grafton carnival that patrons should be aware of, explained Clarence River Jockey Club’s CEO, Michael Beattie.

“Face masks must be worn and unlike last year whereby only Members could attend, the public is welcome.

“The Members entry gate via the Members Car Park will be open this Sunday; this will remain in use throughout the carnival.

“There are still COVID-19 protocols that need to be managed across all the racecourse entrance points, so for this reason, different rules will apply.

“The Car Park Members entrance gate will be strictly for Members and Guest Member ticket holders only. Even though there will be no cash sales, general admission is not permitted through this gate.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY MEETINGS
Monday: Wagga
Tuesday: Gunnedah, Warren
Wednesday: Grafton (Ramornie Hcp)
Thursday: Grafton (Cup)
Friday: Goulburn, Scone
Saturday: Cowra, Wean Picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Grafton (Maclean Cup)