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By Rod Fuller

With a successful return to racing at Tamworth under his belt and a stable backed by one of the country’s leading entrepreneurs, there are plenty of positives around the chances of Ranuncula in the Flastplast Building Supplies Handicap on Master Builders Association Raceday at Port Macquarie on Friday.

The son of Exosphere landed his third victory at Dubbo in December before being spelled following a creditable seventh in Highway company behind Anethole at Randwick three weeks later.

Ranuncula (Rachael Murray) scores at Scone. Image by Bradley Photographers

The Stephen Jones-trained gelding resumed for victory over Kinjina at Tamworth in early February with a strong third behind Witness Collector at Dubbo a fortnight ago providing a great preparation of the Port assignment.

Jones is enjoying a great run of training success around the provincial and country tracks in recent times and the backing of executive chairman of Harvey Norman Holdings and thoroughbred owner and breeder, Gerry Harvey, is certainly paying dividends for the team.

It is also significant that Bailey Wheeler has been engaged to partner Ranuncula for the race with the promising young rider enjoying a stellar commencement to his riding career.

With the form line around Anethole, who is the leading representative for the Hunter North-West District in the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships Final at Randwick on April 2, there are plenty of positives around the chances of Ranuncula in the Port event.

The task will not be easy as Apalala has been racing with great consistency for the Sally Taylor stable following a victory at Taree and placings over the past three months while Memphis Squaw and Ciao Uno represent distinct dangers.

Whatever I Say deserves to break his maiden status in the second event with the Paul Shailer trained gelding putting the writing on the wall following a sound second behind Mister Ripley last week while Our Kiwi Princess is well placed in the following race.

The daughter of Shooting to Win has two solid barrier trials under her belt in preparation for the event and is set to continue the successful month enjoyed by the John Sprague stable following wins by Patriot, Crowned Empress and Wannawinwin.

Holy Tycoon provides strong credentials in the Nationwide Property Brokers Handicap following recent wins and it might be wise to dismiss the chestnut filly’s recent performance at Newcastle in assessing her chances.

Despite the torrential rain over the past few weeks, the course proper provided a remarkable racing surface for the meeting conducted last Thursday and will continue to give all competitors every chance for success.

General admission tickets can be pre-booked or purchased on race day with further information regarding reserved seating available by contacting the Port Macquarie Race Club office on (02) 6581 1964 or email on - admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au

There is limited reserved seating available inside the Ivan Livermore Stand, or tables are available in the outside bar or betting ring. There are great viewing and seating areas available with refreshment, dining and wagering facilities in full operation throughout the grounds.

The Port racing complex remains a COVID-19 safe venue and everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant and follow guidelines despite the relaxation of many government regulations.

The club is delighted to continue their great association with the Master Builders Association and races on the program recognise the support provided by Coastal Commercial Linings, SMP Fabrication, Petries Mitre 10, Fastplast Building Supplies, NIS Power and Communications, North Eastern Door Frames, Nationwide Property Brokers and Kennards Hire.

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 12.50pm COASTAL COMMERCIAL LININGS MAIDEN HCP (1500M): 5 Green Rebel, 2 Gulf of Tomini, 1 Hunter Bred
Race 2 – 1.30pm SMP FABRICATION MAIDEN PLATE (1200M): 2 Whatever I Say, 3 Devil’s Inn, 6 Decadent Tale
Race 3 – 2.10pm PETRIES MITRE 10 MAIDEN HCP (1000M): 7 Our Kiwi Princess, 10 Super Art, 9 Lady Audrey
Race 4 – 2.49pm FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLIES BM 66 HCP (1000M): 2 Ranuncula, 7 Apalala, 10 Memphis Squaw
Race 5 – 3.24pm NIS POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS CL 3 HCP (1500M): 4 Off Her Roca, 2 Mikado, 6 Persian Beauty
Race 6 – 4.04pm NORTH EASTERN DOOR FRAMES BM 58 HCP (2000M): 6 Surjin, 4 But I Know, 3 Endorphins
Race 7 – 4.44pm NATIONWIDE PROPERTY BROKERS CLASS 2 HCP (1100M): 4 Holy Tycoon, 6 Being Naughty, 3 Moyassar
Race 8 – 5.24pm KENNARDS HIRE BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1200M): 4 Auzstar, 7 New Republic, 2 Shirazzle

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Port Macquarie here