Kempsey Cup race day is all set to go ahead as four Macleay Valley based horses prepare to stake their claim for the coveted prize.

The Simonetta brothers, Doug and Rocky, have nominated two geldings from their stable with seven year olds Mister McIIroy and Prima Stella to feature.

Gladstone's Jessica McCusker has seven year old gelding O'driscoll racing whilst Redback Ratcliff's five year old mare Campari Soda will also shoot out of the starting barrier.

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The 1450m race will see $40,000 worth of prize-money in play with $19,700 for first, $7,150 for second and $3,750 for third.

Mister McIIroy:

The gelding's career has seen him achieve seven career wins with his first coming in Nowra, April 2018.

He went on a sensational run in September and October last year with a hat-trick of wins at Kempsey, Grafton and Coffs Harbour.

August 21 this year at Taree was his last win with that race running for 1400m.

It's important to note that race in Kempsey was his first and last in our town, racing at a 100% success rate at Warwick Park.

Prima Stella:

6 career wins for this gelding with his last win the Wauchope Cup at Port Macquarie in June this year.

The Cup will mark Prima Stella's first race in Kempsey and the first effort could certainly be a charm.

O'driscoll:

Out of the Macleay Valley horses, Gladstone based O'driscoll sits in first for career wins, amassing eight since the gelding started racing back in 2016.

Originally trained by Port Macquarie's Tas Morton, O'driscoll started with Jessica McCusker in June this year achieving her first win under the new system at Port Macquarie in August.

Campari Soda:

The Kempsey Cup has eluded Kempsey trainer Barry 'Redback' Ratcliff in a career stretching more than 30 years with horses under his care.

Ratcliff would be excited with the form of his five year old mare after a successful September.

Wins in Kempsey and Grafton saw her extend her career wins to four after starting racing in 2018.

Campari Soda is two from two in Kempsey.