REAL “HOPE” FOR KEMBLA MARE FIRST-UP AT ROSEHILL

TALENTED Kembla Grange mare Our Gold Hope is expected to be “very competitive” when she begins a new campaign at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Last year’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks runner-up has her first start as a five-year-old in the Spring Preview Handicap (1400m), with Tommy Berry aboard.

“Our Gold Hope has never resumed at 1400m, but I’m really liking her inside barrier,” Luke Price, who co-trains with his father Rob, said this morning.

“She will be able to switch off, and get a nice run.

“We’re really happy with Our Gold Hope, and expect her to be very competitive first-up.

“She was in great order when she came off the track this morning.”

The leading Kembla Grange training duo nominated the grey daughter of Lope De Vega for both the $5m Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18 and $6m Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley a week later.

“Our Gold Hope has come back really well, and you have to enter for those big races early in the peace,” Luke Price said.

“Whether either of those races becomes her goal remains to be seen.

“We’ll get a better guide from her first two or three races this time in as to which way we head with her.

“There are plenty of options and great prizemoney. We’ll let her tell us what goals we chase.”’

Team Price has given the mare every chance to make a statement this season by starting her only six times – all during the autumn – last season.

Our Gold Hope was placed at Group 2 level, in the Group 2 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens in April, behind last spring’s dual Group 1 winner Ceowulf.

Berry has partnered the mare in her two recent lead-up Group trials at Warwick Farm on July 25 and August 8.

At her latest trial, she was the widest runner on the home turn and ran home stylishly without being pressured when fourth (beaten just over a length) to proven stars Private Eye and Ceowulf in a 1000m heat on the course proper.

Team Price’s Tuesday Hawkesbury winner Commanding Belle is having a three weeks’ break.

“Commanding Belle was a Magic Millions buy (the Farnan filly fetched $160,000 at last year’s yearling sale), and we will be attempting to qualify her for the Magic Millions 3YO Classic (1400m) at the Gold Coast in January,” Luke Price said.

Newcastle’s unbeaten young sprinter Private Harry will trial at Rosehill on Monday, following a run of postponements.

The trial session was initially scheduled for last Monday, and then postponed until Tuesday before again being rescheduled to tomorrow & now Monday.

Private Harry (Ash Morgan) lines up in a 900m Group trial on the course proper, and one of his rivals is last November’s Newcastle $1m The Hunter winner Briasa.

The two classy sprinters are both heading for the $20m The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 18, and currently second and third favorites.

Private Harry is at $6 with TAB.com.au and Briasa is at $8.

Story John Curtis, August 14, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos