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By John Schell

Randwick trainer John O’Shea will be keeping a close watch on the weather and track condition at Kembla Grange on Tuesday as he plots the return to racing for a couple of talented stable members.

O’Shea, who trains in partnership with Tom Charlton, is hoping for the track at Kembla Grange to dry out a little from heavy to soft in order to boost his chances of snaring a potential winning double.

Livin' Thing (Josh Parr) in winning form at Hawkesbury. Image by Bradley Photographers

O’Shea has Livin’ Thing ($4 into $3.90 on TAB) and Lady Zodiac ($11 to $9) set to contest the Racing Mates Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m), while the promising Straand Beauty ($4.60 to $3.50 favourite) is down to run in the JJJ Racing Punters Precinct 31st May Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m).

“Straand Beauty is a handy Exceed And Excel gelding that is having his first run for us and is first-up from a spell,” said O’Shea.

“But he has already shown his fair share of talent. He’s been placed in city company three times and has won a Wyong maiden.

“He’s had a couple of barrier trials in preparation for his return and he’s looked good in both of them.

"We are just looking for a reasonable surface for him to kick off again in. He’s ready to go though.”

Braith Nock takes the ride on Straand Beauty, and O’Shea is impressed with the apprentice.

“He’s ridden plenty of winners and we’ve had a bit of luck with him, and importantly he can still claim at the provincials so that comes in handy,” O’Shea said.

Apprentice Anna Roper is booked to ride Livin’ Thing in his event, while Tyler Schiller is down to ride Lady Zodiac.

“Depending on how the track is there is the option to split them up and take one to Kembla Grange on Saturday instead,” said O’Shea.

“They are both going well. Lady Zodiac has had the few runs back from a spell and raced well in each of them including her last start second at Kembla.

“And Livin’ Thing is first-up after two trials. He won easily at his debut and then ran sixth in town before a third at Newcastle.

"He’s having his first start for us but also looks a promising horse.”

View final fields with full form & race replays for Kembla Grange here