The Peter Romero-trained Rambunctious aiming for all-the-way win

Rambunctious is set to start from gate three in the $6500 NR up to 52 Pace, (1770m) and gets the benefit of leading reinsman Cameron Maggs.

The four-year-old gelding scored his most recent win four starts back at Albury when he led all-the-way over the sprint trip after drawing gate four with Maggs in the sulky.

Romero said he will be instructing Maggs to once again find the front if possible on Friday night.

"He has been mixing his form lately but gets the draw to return to his best," Romero said.

"If he gets his own way in front and leads in his races he is a much better horse.

"Over the sprint trip tonight with a good draw, I would like to think he could run at least in the top four.

"We will definitely be going forward from the draw and that's his race pattern.

"He's got good gate speed but so has the pole horse (Macarena Madi) and I'm not sure if we can cross her.

"But we won't die wondering - that's for sure."

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Macarena Madi looms as the testing material in the race and is set to start well into the red as an odds-on favourite.

The Bruce Harpley-trained and driven filly boasts an ultra-consistent record of three wins and five minor placings in her short career of nine starts.

"I think Macarena Madi is going to be tough to beat and she boasts a handy record," Romero said.

"A lot will hinge on whether we can cross her at the start."

Rambunctious is owned by former Albury Thunder enforcer and premiership player Tommy Gemmell.

Gemmell has become heavily involved in harness racing since retiring from rugby league and owns several pacers who are trained by Romero.

Romero said the big Maori backrower was an interesting character to train for with his family and relatives involved.

"Tommy is a top fella and great to train for," he said.

"He loves the game and so do all his family and relatives."

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