Tips and race by race preview by Jack Webster for Saturday’s Kembla Grange meeting. Selections based on a good track.
Race 1 - 12:55PM KEMBLA GRANGE CLASSIC MARCH 14 MIDWAY MDN PLATE (1000M) |
---|
7. Wandaye showed notable improvement after a disappointing debut at Rosehill in November last year. Returning from a year-long spell, she delivered a solid effort to finish third at Hawkesbury, running on well in a race where the winner and runner-up proved too strong. With a favorable draw here, she’ll aim to show natural progression and contend in this race.
Dangers: 11. Zounaka is another who displayed sharp improvement last campaign, putting together three respectable efforts, including a solid second at Newcastle before spelling. Resuming here and can continue that previous form. 1. King Mythos ran a credible race last start but found himself too far back in the field to make a real impact. He ran home strongly and gets a more favorable setup this time with a 2kg claim and an inside draw, making him a serious threat. 6. Penalties didn’t impress in his initial efforts but returns after a confidence-boosting trial win on his home track. He could surprise if he carries that form into this race
How to play it: Wandaye WIN ($2.10 TAB Fixed Odds)
Race 2 - 1:30PM JOIN THE 2025 WARRA CLUB CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000 METRES) |
---|
5. Invincible Madison ran strongly here second up last start, leading throughout but narrowly missing out after being chased down in the closing moments of a tough-fought race. Her dominant maiden win at Canberra in the race prior showcases her ability, and she’ll aim to build on those performances third up. With a 2kg apprentice claim and a better draw this time, she’s well-positioned to deliver another strong showing.
Dangers: 4. Idle Flyer gave a strong debut effort at Newcastle, followed by an impressive win here last start over 1300m before heading for a spell. Showcased a powerful turn of foot in the final stages to secure a 2-length win. A trial win in preparation points to her readiness for a competitive return first up. 7. Miss Backchat won on debut at Canberra and followed it with a strong showing at Wyong, leading throughout before losing on protest. Finds a tougher race but her form suggests she’ll be among the finishers and has every chance to feature. 9. Bode Akuna comes off a narrow photo finish victory at Goulbourne when resuming. Should be among the finishers.
How to play it: Boxed Trifecta 5,4,7
Race 3 - 2:05PM CANADIAN CLUB MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300 METRES) |
---|
3. King Nic is on debut for the Mitchell Beer stable and enters off the back of a promising trial run in preparation. Racing on his home track, drawn favorably, and showing potential, he’s well-placed to make an impact on debut. One to watch.
Dangers: 8. Heesen ran home well on debut at Canterbury, showing promise with a strong closing effort despite leaving his run too late. With a positive draw and race fitness on his side, he looks ready to show natural improvement moving into this race. 4. Sampson debuts here following a respectable third in preparation trial. Home track and drawing the fence his well-positioned to make a strong impression and can score on debut. 1. Toybox didn’t show much on initial debut but can show improvement and benefit from race experience.
How to play it: King Nic WIN ($18 TAB Fixed Odds)
Race 4 - 2:40PM CARLTON DRY 3.5 MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300 METRES) |
---|
2. Imposing Pier shapes as the one to beat in this field. He had a strong initial campaign, finishing fourth on debut at Kensington despite being boxed in during a critical stage, followed by a runner-up finish at Hawkesbury where the winner was simply too good, but he convincingly outperformed the rest. With a trial placing in preparation for this run and a 3kg claim engaged, he’s primed to build on that form and deliver a competitive effort first up.
Dangers: 9. Maquisa showed improvement at Canterbury in her second start before heading to a spell. With a respectable trial in preparation and a more open field due to recent scratchings, she emerges as one of the stronger contenders here. 10. Eccedere didn’t make a significant impact in her initial campaign but has trialed well leading into this race. With a favorable draw, she could play a key role in this lineup. 5. Golden Loom failed to impress on debut at Newcastle but has shown improvement in both trials since returning from a spell. Can play a part in this one first up. 11. Mia Ballerina is another who didn’t show much on debut but has impressed with a trial win and placing in preparation. One to watch.
How to play it: Imposing Pier WIN ($1.60 TAB Fixed Odds)
Race 5 - 3:20PM BALTER CERVEZA BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600 METRES) |
---|
4. Magic Stalker is hard to look past in this field with two convincing wins from her two races so far at Tamworth and Scone. Her most recent coming at Scone where she found the front early and displayed a devastating turn off foot on the closing straight to win by 5 lengths. Presents here with a favorable draw and a 3kg claim engaged, she looks to make it three straight.
Dangers: 6. Autumn Dream defied modest trial form to win on debut at Warwick Farm, showcasing resilience by fighting back from a challenging position to secure a narrow photo-finish victory. She’ll need to overcome a wide draw here, but the rise in distance should suit her, and fitter for the quick two-week turnaround, she’s well-poised to go close again. 2. Edmond was unable to produce much in his previous campaign but showed improvement last start at Warwick Farm, finishing just outside the placings after a difficult run. Race fit now and benefits from a 3kg claim. Can make an impact. 9. Decimus has a proven record at this track and distance from his previous campaign. With conditions suiting, he can show up again.
How to play it: Magic Stalker WIN ($2.40 TAB Fixed Odds)
Race 6 - 4:00PM GREENWAY TURF SOLUTIONS SUPER MAIDEN PLATE (1600 METRES) |
---|
14. Swelter, from the Chris Waller stable, showed little impact in her initial campaign finishing last in both races, but delivered a much-improved performance when resuming at Hawkesbury last start finishing second. She closed strongly, doing her best work late in the race. With natural improvement likely, she shapes as one of the stronger contenders in this field and is well-placed to make an impact here.
Dangers: 15. Autumn Aroha showed little on debut but delivered a much-improved effort at Goulburn, narrowly missing out in a closely contested finish. She gets another chance here and could build on that performance. 4. California Blues displayed consistent form before a below-par showing at Canterbury last start, which can be excused. He’ll aim to return to his prior level of competitiveness in this race. 10. Bearings is race fit and enters off a strong second place finish. He’ll look to maintain that momentum and should be a competitive presence here.
How to play it: Swelter WIN ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds)
Race 7 - 4:40PM COCA-COLA PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1200 METRES) |
---|
3. C’mon Mate has had very consistent form this campaign including a second place finish here first up and comes off a win here last week over 1300m after charging home on the final stretch. Positive record with this track/distance combination previously at his home track and draws the fence to help cause. Fitter second up after being freshened and one week turnaround. Looks to be the main threat.
Dangers: 4. Mah Ali has gone close at this track twice this campaign, including a recent runner-up finish at Rosehill where she overcame significant challenges from a wide position to storm home late. With a favorable draw this time, she looks well-placed and should go close. 5. Power Of The Brave has had mixed form since his debut double last year. He showed promise with a second-place finish in his initial trial and a win in his preparation. A proven first-up performer in previous campaigns. One to watch. 9. Spirit Of Varanasi had struggled to put up competitive performances earlier this campaign but turned things around with a gutsy win at Kensington last start. Can build on that effort here.
How to play it: C'Mon Mate WIN ($4.40 TAB Fixed Odds)
Race 8 - 5:20PM ROYAL STONE STUD BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1400 METRES) |
---|
3. Code In Time has shown consistent form since his debut and hasn’t done much wrong overall. Excuses can be made for his last two performances at the end of his previous campaign, but he’s bounced back to rediscover his earlier form since resuming. He was competitive when finishing runner-up at Scone last start, though the winner proved too strong. With a 3kg apprentice claim and a favorable draw, he’s positioned to be highly competitive in this field.
Dangers: 12. Gendarmerie has gone close in both starts since resuming including a solid effort here last time, finishing just outside the placings. Third up and race fit, she looks well-suited at this distance and can figure in the finish. 6. Rickythesteamboat comes off a strong victory last start at Beaumont and a solid run at Warwick Farm when first up. He’s shown clear improvement with the rise in distance and benefits from a favorable draw here, making him a strong contender. 10. Your Not The Boss narrowly missed out last start and has been consistent when running on his home track. With fitness on his side, he should be competitive again.
How to play it: Code In Time WIN ($4.60 Tab Fixed Odds)
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Kembla Grange meeting