Theresa Bateup will start up to six chances at Kembla Grange on Saturday, with two of her stable stalwarts leading the charge in the 1500m Benchmark 64 Handicap.
Both Master Riley (Jess Taylor, gate 4) and Lady Yarrow (Amy McLucas, gate 5) get in nicely with their weights, 58kg and 57kg respectively, and are primed for big showings.
Despite running back-to-back sixth placings since resuming, Master Riley, the $5.50 second favourite in an open race, has only been beaten 1.6 lengths and 2.2 lengths and has previously raced well and won third-up.
The six-year-old Hellbent gelding has been tested in stronger company, including a 1300m Midway Handicap at Rosehill Gardens on September 26 and a 1400m Benchmark 64 Handicap behind the impressive Gridlock at Kembla Grange on October 10.
Gridlock, trained by Michael Freedman, is contesting the $1 million Callander-Presnell (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Lady Yarrow, on the other hand, is as consistent as the day is long, winning twice and placing a further nine times in 18 career starts.
The five-year-old Shalaa mare has looked good this preparation, finishing second when first-up at Moruya on September 15 in a tough 1210m Benchmark 74 Handicap.
Beaten 2.6 lengths in the 1300m Legend of the South at Moruya on October 2, the Kembla Grange galloper came out at Hawkesbury on October 15 and put in another huge effort, going down by a nose in the 1300m Benchmark 64 Handicap for the fillies and mares.
Fit, up in distance and carrying no weight, connections will be confident Lady Yarrow can run a big race on her home track.
It is set to be a big day for the stable, with other chances including Kitty Okay (Amy McLucas, gate 2), who resumes in the 1200m Benchmark 64 Handicap, and consistent sprinter Aegipan (Jess Taylor, gate 9) in the 1000m Benchmark 64 Handicap.
Maidens Leica Fox (Amy McLucas, gate 10) and Rubilace (Chad Lever, gate 11) have drawn wide but also get their chances in the 1200m Colts and Geldings Maiden Plate and 1600m Midway Maiden Handicap respectively.
Early next week, Bateup’s attention turns to meetings at Queanbeyan and Hawkesbury, where Lindos, North Star Miss and Hussy La Vista race with Amy McLucas on board.
Words/Image: Jeff Hanson