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Lee Curtis believes Ilovenews is more than capable of knocking off his maiden this Thursday at Kembla Grange but the Rosehill trainer admits his confidence will likely grow as the lightly-raced talent's preparation progresses.

Ilovenews ($8 on TAB) will be Curtis and his partner Cherie's only runner at the provincial meeting but is a good chance of making the trip south to Kembla worthwhile in his first run since January.

Ilovenews (Brandon Lerena) parades at Newcastle. Image by Bradley Photographers

The lightly-raced son of Press Statement is ready to make his return from a break in the Kembla Grange Supporting Equimillion Maiden Handicap (1300m).

"He has done enough to win first-up but it is one of those ones where he is going to improve into his second and third run," Curtis said.

"He is one of those horses, if he switches right on then he can progress to midweek company at least."

The Curtis stable gave Ilovenews three starts in his maiden preparation with his best finish coming at his last run when third over the mile at Wyong on January 6.

An extended 193-day break between runs has helped Ilovenews develop ahead of his return, according to Curtis.

"He has always been a little immature horse," Curtis said. "We didn't get him until late and he didn't know much so didn't feel the need to rush him.

"We gave him a good break. He was still quite raw last preparation but he would have gained a lot from the spell.

"I think he should come back pretty solid this time."

Ilovenews has had two trials in preparation for his return and was left to work home under his own steam in both of them, including most recently when fourth in a 1030m hit out at Rosehill Gardens on June 21.

"He wasn't out to do much in either trial," Curtis said. "We think he is going to get somewhat of a trip; 1400m to 1600m.

"We think he is progressive and think we can win some races with him this preparation for sure."

Sydney's star apprentice Zac Lloyd will pilot Ilovenews in his return where he has drawn favourably in barrier five.

Ilovenews is one of the leading chances in the second event against the likes of Scoundrel ($2.90 favourite), Monte Tiana ($5) and California Waves ($7.50 into $3.50 second fav).

Thursday is the penultimate meeting of the season at Kembla with the season wrapping up on Saturday 27 July.

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