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By Rod Fuller

With two powerful victories on the northern rivers under his belt over the past month, Vendemmia ($4 into $3.80 favourite on TAB) is poised to extend his winning ratio and complete the hat-trick in the final event on Port City Bowling Club Raceday this Saturday.

After being transferred from the Tony & Maddysen Sears stable following a third at Ipswich in February, Ethan Ensby has been able to transform the son of Per Incanto into a consistent middle-distance combatant and this was highlighted with his latest performances.

After a change of scenery and a couple of even efforts since July, Vendemmia came from well off the pace before powering home to account for Hezanuff at Grafton in late August and produced a carbon copy run three weeks later to salute.

Vendemmia (Ben Looker) lands the cash at Grafton. Image by Trackside Photography

Ben Looker has developed a great affinity with the galloper and retains the mount after producing a peach of a ride to mow down Miss Madigan in comprehensive fashion last start with the extra 100m of the weekend assignment looking suitable.

Hard work has been the key with Ethan Ensby’s rise through the training ranks after being involved with horses all his life and taking out a training licence in 2015.

He worked for many of the top Northern NSW trainers but spent most of his time with Peter & Dianne Stanley and Tom Pratt before purchasing his first horse from leading Ballina mentor, Stephen Lee.

Now with around 20 gallopers based at his Casino training headquarters, Ethan Ensby is enjoying a great run of success with Vendemmia set to dominate in the Port City Class 3 Hcp.

The stable is also represented by Without a Doubt ($23) with the flashy chestnut mare resuming from a five-month recess and will derive great benefit from a recent barrier trial effort behind Swift Charm in preparation for the assignment and the more suitable longer distances into the future.

Tiwi Girl ($13) won well over this track and distance last start and must be included in the major chances with the engagement of Jett Newman providing further confidence for followers of the promising young apprentice while Phoenix Power ($7) should also be considered.

Darren Treacy has recorded three wins and two placings since relocating to his new training complex at Taree and puts the polish on Phoenix Power with the son of Tosen Stardom recording a dominant win at Coffs Harbour last month before chasing Tiwi Girl home at this circuit a fortnight ago.

Treacy also has a sound opportunity for success earlier in the day when Faiza Star ($2.70 fav) contests the second race and nobody would begrudge a win for the daughter of Starspangledbanner following recent placings.

The flashy chestnut mare was narrowly beaten by The Warrior in a quality maiden here last start and should appreciate the opportunity to progress to the next level on the weekend with So Sain ($6) providing the stiffest opposition.

Argyros ($2.60 fav) was extremely impressive with a comprehensive debut victory at Taree a fortnight ago and should provide the testing material in the opening race on the card while Quick Buck ($9) represents a value wager in the penultimate event.

The son of Merchant Navy has won two from his past three starts at Grafton before being run down by Justice Served at the same circuit last month with a reduction in distance together with the important engagement of Ray Spokes providing a distinct advantage.

The club is greatly appreciative of the support provided by Port City Bowling Club over a long period of time and welcome their members and guests to day two of the carnival together with expressing great appreciation for their excellent hosting of Thursday evening’s Cup Calcutta.

With the promise of fine weather conditions and strong final acceptances, the racing complex should be a hive of activity with full betting service on the local and important metropolitan meetings around the country together with great food and refreshments supplied by Char Bar Catering.

Racing continues at Port with an evenly balanced card on Sunday 26th October and details regarding general admission tickets together with reserved seating in the Ivan Livermore Stand are available by contacting the Race Club office on 02 6581 1964 or email - admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au

SELECTIONS
Race 1 - 12:57PM MELBOURNE CUP @ PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB COUNTRY BOOSTED CLASS 1 HCP (1000M): 2 Argyros, 5 Crazy Mikki, 1 Invincible Whip
Race 2 - 1:36PM NON THINKERS BIG SCREEN @ PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN HCP (1500M): 8 Faiza Star, 3 So Sain, 12 Star of Kongo
Race 3 - 2:11PM ONLINE RAFFLES @ PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB MAIDEN PLATE (1000M): 7 Over The Rainbow, 15 Twoexcel, 1 Chess Master
Race 4 - 2:46PM BEACHFRONT BAR & GRILL @ PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB F&M BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1200M): 7 Typhoon Neta, 1 Rainbow Lass, 8 Wanjina Rose
Race 5 - 3:26PM DRIFT BAR. CAFE. RESTAURANT @ PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB CG&E BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1200M): 7 Toy Story, 2 The Lupercal, 9 Jo Jo Sun
Race 6 - 4:01PM BOOK YOUR FUNCTION @ PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1800M): 5 Quick Buck, 12 Good Karma, 2 Montgomery
Race 7 - 4:41PM PORT CITY GRADE 7 OPEN STATE PENNANT FINAL WINNERS CLASS 3 HCP (1500M): 4 Vendemmia, 2 Phoenix Power, 3 Tiwi Girl

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