We head to Kembla Grange for the best bets and preview of Up and Coming Stakes Day.
The best bet of the day comes up on the last event of the program.
Kembla Grange Race 3
#4 Pancho
Chris Waller has three runners in this race and Pancho looks the best of those chances.
Loved his effort over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley last start when he was beaten a pimple by Mahamedeis.
He looked to wobble around the Moonee Valley bend, but when he hit the straight and flattened out he pinned his ears back and hit the line nicely.
The longer straight of Kembla Grange might just suit him better than what the Valley did.
Hoping Brenton Avdulla can slot in midfield with cover or even potentially stride to the front given there does not look to be too much early speed in this event.
Suggested Bet: Pancho win at $5
Kembla Grange Race 6
#16 My Dematra
Peter and Paul Snowden present their six-year-old mare in nice order after three fitness building runs to have her peaking here.
She grinded away well to run third behind So Wicked last start at Randwick over 1800 metres.
That effort should see her rating improve another length or two given the fitness benefit she would have derived from that effort.
She gets in on the minimum with 52kgs and she will have a very cosy run from barrier five.
Can back her with a high amount of confidence on an each-way basis.
Suggested Bet: My Dematra each-way at $9 the win and $3 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Boxed First Four – 4, 6, 9, 11, 16
Kembla Grande Race 7
#6 Cepheus
Cepheus makes his Australian debut for the OTI syndicate under the guidance of trainer Matthew Dunn.
The five-year-old stallion is a British import and will certainly have his eyes on the black type staying races during the spring, but he can run a big race first-up.
He has had two trials in preparation for this run with the first being a quiet 1175-metre effort at Warwick Farm and then the most recent being a 1200-metre jog around the same track.
Those two pipe-openers should have him ready to strike in this race from barrier eight.
He has had only one start at this distance range but is victorious, which shows he had the speed to be competitive at a nice price.
Suggested Bet: Cepheus each-way at $11 the win and $3.4 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Trifecta – 5, 6/ 5, 6, 8/ 1, 2, 5, 6, 8
Kembla Grange Race 10
#10 Pale King
Pale King would have well and truly into life down-under after being imported to Australia by the Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes stable.
He made his Australian debut at this track over 1400 metres and won with plenty up his sleeve before heading to the paddock, so he is well versed to the surroundings he faces in this BM-78 event.
The five-year-old gelding then resumed with a hard fought win over the mile at Sandown Lakeside before being put away for a spell after being well beaten as a $2.5 favourite in a BM-78 at Sandownh Hillside.
Senior jockey Tommy Berry has been booked to pilot him around the course suggesting that this gelding is ready to rock ‘n’ roll.
Should find a nice spot in the run from barrier five and, as such, will make him the best of the day.
Suggested Bet: Pale King win at $4.4
