ZAC Lloyd and Dylan Gibbons fought out last season’s Sydney apprentices’ title, but it’s “girl power” in the junior riding ranks at Kembla Grange so far this season.
So much so that the first four on the leader board after the initial three and a half months of the 2023-24 racing year are all females.
And front-runner Molly Bourke is hoping to take advantage of the absence of her three closest rivals from tomorrow’s meeting to increase her premiership.
Awarded on a 3, 2 and 1 points basis, Bourke has amassed 16 points, followed by local apprentice Olivia Chambers (10), Anna Roper (7) and Amy McLucas (6).
Chambers is riding at the two-day Snake Gully Cup carnival at Gundagai, Roper is in action at The Hunter meeting at Newcastle, and McLucas isn’t riding at Kembla.
Bourke has three bookings – two of them for local trainers Brett Lazzarini and Theresa Bateup.
She partners debutante Nazama for Lazzarini in the Midway Maiden Plate (1000m), and Shaka Rock for Bateup in the Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m).
Her other ride is My Shalom for brothers Jim and Greg Lee in the CG&E Maiden Handicap (1300m).
Last season’s leading Kembla Grange trainers Rob and Luke Price are currently leading in the All Trainers’ Premiership, and have bolted to a substantial lead in the local premiership.
The father and son team has racked up 44 points since August 1, three ahead of premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller.
They have trained nine winners this season, seven clear of their closest local rivals.
Additionally, the Price boys currently have the first two horses – Headstock (24 points) and Verbek (18) – in the race for Horse Of The Year honours.
With plenty of runners at tomorrow’s meeting, there is every likelihood of increasing their lead in both premierships.
Their acceptors are:
RACE 1:Noble Attack & Mega Flight;
RACE 2: Invade And Conquer & Mega Flight (5th Emergency);
RACE 3: Pretty Rho;
RACE 4: Show No Fear;
RACE 5: Noble Serenade;
RACE 6: Sweet Dixie;
RACE 7: Brave Agenda;
RACE 8: Brave Agenda (1st Emergency).
. The rail is 9m out from the 1100m to the winning post, and 7m out for the remainder of the circuit.
The eight-race program begins at 1.30pm.
Michael Craig’s selections are:
1- 5 Speed Of Light big chance first up
1 Escutcheon strong win last start
2 Let’s Go Bro fought on well at Newcastle
Race 2 - 5 Spiritchaser nice run when resuming
8 In My Dreams will be in it for a long way
2 Against The Law better for 2 recent trials
Race 3 - 4 Figment held up at a vital stage last start
10 Exceed The Sky is an improving type
11 La Zeule could easily surprise
Race 4 -1 Binghampton had no luck last start
10 Parade Ground has trialled ok
2 Show No Fear worth another chance
Race 5 -1 West Of Dalby has been racing in better company
5 Ulysses Blue resuming and shows ability
12 Penitent narrow winner last start
Race 6 -12 Slipstreaming worked home strongly at Newcastle
1 Whatadilemma looks ready first up
4 Egyptologist nice effort on debut
Race 7- 4 Star Legacy well supported when winning at Gosford
11 Amigos No More is racing in peak form
3 Smart Action tough win last start
Race 8 - 4 Dresden impressive in a recent trial
5 Bully For You looks a good chance again
2 Herb fought on strongly at 2nd start back
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