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By Rod Fuller

With two recent victories and a narrow Scone placing under her belt, Robarge indicates the rise in class will not be a concern in the Coastal Fire Protection Handicap on Flood Appeal Raceday at Port Macquarie on Sunday.

The daughter of Highly Recommended broke through for her maiden success with a comprehensive victory over Limpida earlier in the year before accounting for Poseidon Ruler at Taree a month later.

The Terry Evans-trained mare travelled to Scone a fortnight ago and made up many lengths down the home running to be beaten a nose by Super Bright in a deceptive finish and the effort provides an ideal preparation for the weekend assignment.

It is significant that Andrew Gibbons has been engaged for the ride to continue a strong association with Robarge and her ability to handle rain affected ground provides further confidence.

The query runner in the race is Freddie Eddie with the Damien Smith-trained gelding resuming from a six-month spell with no trial form displayed.

The main asset for the Carrara gelding’s chances in the event centre around his great record on the Port circuit resulting in two victories in the latter stages of last year together with the gelding’s good first-up record.

Mista Razzledazzle is a former Victorian gelding now trained by Paul Shailer and has strong claims following impressive barrier trial performances at the track over the past month while Dollson is the graded runner in the event.

With Terry Evans hoping for success with Robarge in the main race on the program, a forward performance by Anime in the Harelec Solar Power Specialists Handicap would be extremely sentimental for the Tuncurry trainer following the recent passing of the mare’s part owner, Peter Fennell.

The popular owner has been a wonderful supporter of the stable over many years and there would not be a dry eye in the house if the daughter of Casino Prince tasted success following Fennell’s battle with cancer which ended last week.

Condover Hall was rewarded for consistency with a diligent victory at the circuit last week and has a strong chance to repeat the dose in the sixth event together with providing a fitting tribute for the Neil Godbolt trained gelding to land the prize in the race supported by the stable.

Everyone is encouraged to support the Port Macquarie Race Club Flood Appeal Raceday with all race sponsorships, gate proceeds and raffle ticket sales going to flood relief in the Northern Rivers through the Australian Turf Club Foundation.

The Foundation is doing a wonderful job in delivering goods, supplies and expertise to the thoroughbred racing clubs and communities in the north of the state to rebuild from the disastrous floods occurring over the past month.

A huge thanks goes to the support provided by race day sponsors including Coastal Fire Protection, ATM2HIRE, Fernhill Tavern, Plan B Syndicate & Godbolt Racing, LJ Hooker Port Macquarie & Wauchope, Harelec Solar Power Specialists and Port City Bowling Club.

The Flood Appeal Raceday Raffle will be conducted on Sunday with a $2 investment providing a chance to win the first prize of a hospitality package for four in the Grandview Restaurant at Royal Randwick on TAB Epson Day donated by the Australian Turf Club.

Our great local bookmakers, Kerrie Borger, Graeme Cook and Glen Woodbridge have also joined forces to provide three $100 betting vouchers for the ancillary prize winners. 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

Limited reserved seating remains 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. Despite managing the recent inclement weather conditions successfully, the track remains in the heavy range as the weekend fixture approaches and officials are hopeful for a rain break to provide the best possible racing surface.

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 1.05pm FERNHILL TAVERN 2YO HCP (1000M): 4 Moroccan Lad, 1 Canny Prospect, 5 Lion Class
Race 2 – 1.40pm HARELEC SOLAR POWER SPECIALISTS’ MAIDEN PLATE (3YO+) (1000M): 10 Eva Daniela, 2 Zoom Outcome, 11 Icing on the Cake
Race 3 – 2.15pm COASTAL FIRE PROTECTION BM 66 HCP (1200M): 8 Robarge, 5 Freddie Eddie, 6 Mista Razzledazzle
Race 4 – 2.50pm PORT MACQUARIE CITY BOWLING CLUB MAIDEN PLATE (1200M): 4 Reateros, 11 Rhapsody Queen, 5 Stariks
Race 5 – 3.30pm ATM2HIRE CL 2 HCP (1000M): 1 Royale Return, 5 Thunder Rose, 4 Ciao Uno
Race 6 – 4.10pm PLAN B SYNDICATE & GODBOLT RACING BM 58 HCP (1500M): 2 Condover Hall, 5 Hunter Bred, 9 Shows Pride
Race 7 – 4.45pm LJ HOOKER PORT MACQUARIE & WAUCHOPE CL 1 HCP (1200M): 4 Darci Diva, 3 Deep Snow, 13 I Know the Trainer