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Trainer John Sargent is expecting a bold first-up showing when one-time Derby hopeful Hooligan Tommy ($6 on TAB) makes his return at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

Sargent will bring a pair of three-year-olds to Illawarra Turf Club with both horses set to return from a spell after featuring in Stakes grade last time.

Hooligan Tommy (Dylan Gibbons) heads to the gates at Warwick Farm. Image by Bradley Photographers

Hooligan Tommy is back from a spell after failing to beat a runner home on a heavy track in the Australian Derby, won by Riff Rocket, at Royal Randwick in April.

Sargent believes Hooligan Tommy has made nice development since that Derby run.

The son of Ocean Park has won a trial in the lead up to his return in the Become An ITC Member Today CG&E Maiden Plate (1300m).

“He just didn’t get the real heavy track and the distance in the Derby but he has come back bigger and stronger,” Sargent said.

“I would expect a good run as long as there is speed on in the race.

“He will probably get back a bit but he has run well fresh in the past so I would expect a nice run and that’s why I have only given him the one trial.

“I think hopefully he should have a nice season as he gets through his grades and up to 2000m.”

Brandon Lerena will link up with Hooligan Tommy in a small but select field that features two-year-olds Everybody Rise ($2.30 favourite) and Lavalier ($3.70).

Sargent also has Last Straw ($12) ready to return in the Jim’s Mowing Midway Class 1 Handicap (1300m).

A three-year-old by Brazen Beau, Last Straw was last seen finishing back in the field in the Group 3-Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships.

The lightly-raced filly is hunting her second year victory having not saluted since her debut win at Warwick Farm way back on March 29 last year.

“We will get her back into Midway grade so we can just get a win into her and get some confidence back,” Sargent said.

“Onto the bigger track should suit her and she has a bit of weight but she will just get back and hopefully work home into it.

“She has definitely got better class then some of the field but she has just got to produce it on raceday.”

Keagan Latham links up with Last Straw at the final meeting of the season at Kembla Grange.

View final fields with full form & race replays for Kembla Grange here