3 minute read
Trainer Kerry Parker has had a golden spring and he's hoping it can continue on home turf at Kembla Grange this Saturday.
After winning on Sydney's big stage with Think It Over in the $750,000 Group 3 Craven Plate last Saturday at Randwick, Kerry Parker is poised to return to home turf with a pair of chances at the Illawarra Turf Club.
Promising filly Sherwood's One will step out first when the three-year-old crosses the road for her second career start in the Ian Craig F&M Maiden Plate (1200m).
The daughter of Super One had her maiden start at her home track 10 days ago, doing her best work late when fourth in a 1000m scamper on a Heavy 10 and will be ridden by premier provincial jockey Jeff Penza on Saturday.
"I thought she went terrific first start," Parker said.
"She was still a little new but should have taken a lot from the experience.
"Stepping up to the 1200m will suit and she seemed to get through the going fine.
"Now we've had the storm come through on Thursday night, it looks like we will have a heavy track but she should handle it."
Kembla was hammered with 37mm of rain on Thursday night with surface water present on the track when an inspection took place on Friday morning.
The track was unsurprisingly rated a Heavy 10 twenty four hours out from raceday and a track inspection will take place at 6am on Saturday to determine if the meeting goes ahead.
As it stands, stablemate Don Luigi will also return to his home track to contest the John Tapp Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m).
Don Luigi has also been accepted in the Midway race at Randwick on Saturday but is the first emergency and would need a scratching to get a spot in the race.
Parker is confident the son of Nicconi will run well wherever he goes after an eye-catching first up performance.
Don Luigi may have a zero next to his name in the form book but went to the line under a strong hold in a 1000m Midway race.
"He had no luck whatsoever," Parker said.
"He blew the start and never got clear running but went terrific.
"We were hoping to get him a spot in the Four Pillar so if he was to come out and win that, he might be in there fighting for a position in the race.
"But the 1500m was always going to be a bit questionable. He is going good and should run well."
Winona Costin has been booked to ride Don Luigi if he runs at Kembla Grange, where he has drawn barrier 16.
