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Trainer David Payne admits promising youngster Highborn Harry is his top seed in Tuesday's Manikato Place 2YO Maiden Handicap (1400m) but insists punters shouldn't underestimate stablemate Intruder at Kembla Grange.

Payne will send both juveniles to Illawarra Turf Club in pursuit of a maiden success early on the seven-event midweek card with Highborn Harry is a $2.40 TAB favourite with the bagman while Intruder is on the fifth line of betting at $9.

Trainer David Payne - has two strong chances in the Kembla Grange opener on Tuesday. Image by Bradley Photographers

"Highborn Harry has to be the one on form at the moment but don't underestimate Intruder, he still hasn't switched on yet," Payne said.

"If he switches on, he will be competitive.

"We just want to get the maiden win out of the way and then we can assess them and see where we are going."

Highborn Harry, which will be ridden by Tom Sherry, comes to Kembla for his third start after improving in each of his first two showings.

A modest $20,000 yearling purchase at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, the son of Harry Angel ran on well for fourth over 1200m on debut at Warwick Farm before toughing it out for third in a 1400m event at Hawkesbury last start.

"The one at Hawkesbury was a tough race so if he can reproduce that, I think he will be tough to beat," Payne said. "I think he will get over a mile in time."

Payne hopes both of his gallopers can take advantage of good draws and land somewhere close to the pace with Intruder in barrier one and Highborn Harry in barrier three.

Intruder is yet to finish among the placings in four career starts and is back for his second preparation after finishing ninth in the same Warwick Farm maiden as his stablemate nearly a month ago.

"Intruder has got the ability but he has taken a while to learn the game," Payne said. "I think he will enjoy the 1400m and I think he is going to be even more effective over more ground."

Apprentice Reece Jones pilots Intruder, who Payne shelled out $70,000 for at last year's Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace will saddle up Ekeler ($5) in the same affair while Greg MacFarlane's Nay Pee Cee ($4.80) and the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Revelaide ($5) are also among the leading chances in a competitive opening event.

Locals Kerry Parker (Bush Girl-$23) and Theresa Bateup (West Of Dubai-$17) will field chances.

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