Latest News

Reigning NSW premiership winning rider Ashley Morgan is expecting a bold showing from promising first starter Toyger when the Mark Minervini-trained colt makes his highly-anticipated debut in Saturday's Dancer 2YO Maiden Handicap (1000m) at Kembla Grange.

Toyger has been $4.40 into $3.40 with TAB to sit on the second line of betting for his maiden assignment, only behind the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained debutant The Novelist ($2.70 fav).

Morgan, who will come to Kembla for two rides before heading to Sydney to pilot Aramayo in the $2m The Ingham, was excited to see what Toyger could do under race conditions.

Jockey Ashley Morgan (Pic: Bradley Photos).

"I really like him," he said.

"He was in at Scone on Friday but they didn't get enough acceptors so they canned that race.

"I was just hoping he'd run in an early race so I could ride him before going up to Sydney.

"Luckily he was in the second which will give me time to get across."

A $100,000 purchase at the 2022 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Toyger can put his hand up for a possible trip to Queensland next month if he can put his best foot forward on debut.

The colt was very impressive in his only public appearance to date when winning a 900m heat on home turf at Newcastle by 4-1/4 lengths.

"Mark asked me to come and ride him one day and I liked him from then," Morgan said.

"I came out and did a jumpout on him too, and he went good.

"He is a very quick horse but when I trialled him, I thought he could definitely lead and kick away.

"But we wanted to teach him a little bit and behind runners and I was really impressed with how he quickened up.

"That's the first time he came off the bridle and he did everything right, he is a little professional."

Morgan believes the gun draw in barrier four and the big Kembla track should suit Toyger nicely in his first race start.

He will also pilot the Brooke Somers-trained I'm Scarlett in the opening event of Saturday's card, the Dasher Provincial Maiden Plate (1500m).

The Wandjina filly is having her fourth race start and third this preparation after finishing third at Goulburn and sixth at Canterbury in her first two runs this time in.

I'm Scarlett is rated an $8.50 chance with the card set to jump from 12.40pm.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Kembla Grange meeting