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By Rod Fuller

With two dominant victories under his belt, Five Crowns ($2.30 favourite on TAB) is set to continue his unblemished record in the Gemlife Rainbow Beach Class 2 Handicap at Port Macquarie on Thursday.

The son of Sacred Falls accounted for Charminton in an impressive debut victory at Muswellbrook a month ago before stepping up to Benchmark 58 class with a comprehensive win over Bravio by just over a length on the Beaumont Track.

Five Crowns (Aaron Bullock) returns after a Newcastle win. Image by Bradley Photographers

This assignment is the Kris Lees trained gelding’s toughest to date, but keen judges believe the galloper is above average and should manage the class rise together with the topweight impost.

The pattern of racing exhibited by Five Crowns in his first two starts is to camp just off the speed and finish over the top of rivals and this should be suited at the Port circuit with the engagement of in-form apprentice, Dylan Gibbons, providing further confidence.

The task will not be easy as Dalgarno ($2.70) has strong claims in the event after victories at Coffs Harbour followed by a comprehensive win over Crazeelil and Auvergne when last appearing at the local circuit.

Nathan Doyle has found the key to the former Victorian gelding and there is plenty of positives around the chances of the son of Dalghar as the stable is firing at present and Ben Looker has been appointed for the ride.

Other chances in the race centre around Barry’s Lane ($6.50), who was narrowly defeated at Lismore and Moree in his recent starts while cases can be made for Dulcima ($13) and Crazeelil ($16).

The Schweppes Open Handicap provides a challenging task to assess with Leave Me Some ($4.60) resuming from a spell of four months with solid performances when previously in work.

The Grant Marshall trained mare was responsible for good efforts around the provincial and country circuits and it would be wise to note the run on the Kensington Track in June when beaten around a length by Accelerato

The daughter of Time Thief should benefit from a recent barrier trial on the Beaumont Track a couple of weeks ago in preparation for this assignment.

Cassy’s Sister ($2.90 fav) has been a model of consistency in recent times with placings at Wyong, Grafton and Tamworth with connections hoping the Troy O’neile trained mare can take the next step towards the winner’s circle.

Two Up ($6.50) is another runner resuming from a break with the Dane Shadow mare possessing a great record at the Port track and has been freshened up with two Newcastle trial appearances in preparation for the assignment.

Allan Denham has a great chance to continue his impressive strike rate in the district with Scanlan ($3 equal fav) set to break her maiden status in the opening race while Orinoco ($4 eq fav) has strong claims in race three.

The meeting is being conducted on Remembrance Day when we honour members of the armed forces who gave their lives of suffered while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Races on the program are named after fine brands including McGuigan BMW, Gemlife Rainbow Beach, Carlton Dry, John Oxley Motors, Schweppes, Great Northern Super Crisp, Prime 7 Local News and De Bortoli Wines.

Port Macquarie Race Club is excited to welcome the general public back to Thursday’s meeting with a requirement that all patrons must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and be able to provide proof of vaccination and photo ID at the time of checking in with their QR Codes.

Entry to the track for patrons is through the main gate located at the Oxley Highway entrance and it is imperative that regulations and guidelines must be always followed, including the wearing of masks in all indoor settings when required, social distancing and washing of hands regularly.

People who have cold or flu like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose, even if these are mild, will be restricted from entering the track, and should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.

Despite reserved seating in the Ivan Livermore Stand being fully booked, there are plenty of great viewing areas available and comprehensive dining and wagering facilities will be in full operation.

Essential participants are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidelines articulated by Racing NSW in the resent correspondence dated Thursday 4th November 2021.

Further race meeting details are available on the club’s social media accounts or by contacting the club on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au.

Racing resumes at the track with the traditional New Year’s Day program on January 1st and the club is inviting anyone looking for employment on a casual basis to contact the racing office.

Port Macquarie Race Club President, Greg Delaforce, would like to thank everyone for their support and cooperation in such a difficult period and would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive season.

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 1.35pm DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN PLATE (1500M): 10 Scanlan, 11 About the Moon, 4 Straya Pride
Race 2 – 2.10pm PRIME7 LOCAL NEWS MAIDEN HCP (1000M): 5 Taking the Mikki, 4 Mr Bingo, 13 Miss Violet
Race 3 – 2.45pm GREAT NORTHERN SUPER CRISP MAIDEN PLATE (1200M): 6 American Anthem, 13 Oronoco, 14 Power Conductor
Race 4 – 3.20pm SCHWEPPES OPEN HCP (1200M): 2 Leave Me Some, 3 Cassy’s Sister, 6 Two Up
Race 5 – 3.55pm JOHN OXLEY MOTORS CLASS 1 HCP (1200M): 7 Jet Pack, 2 Dreamline, 1 Klopp
Race 6 – 4.35pm MCGUIGAN BMW BENCHMARK 66 HCP (1500M): 1 Lobster Noodles, 3 Too Much Class, 5 Bak Da Man
Race 7 – 5.10pm GEMLIFE RAINBOW BEACH CLASS 2 HCP (1500M): 1 Five Crowns, 2 Dalgarno, 5 Barry’s Lane
Race 8 – 5.45pm CARLTON DRY BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1000M): 2 Lucky Sham, 3 Mr Pointer, 10 Little Prophet

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