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It’s taken patience to get Bush Girl back to the races but trainer Kerry Parker is starting to see the rewards as he goes in search of consecutive wins at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

Parker will saddle up three contenders on the Kembla card with Bush Girl poised to continue her comeback in the GWM H7 Fast Lane Class 1 Handicap (1500m).

The Kembla conditioner thought enough of Bush Girl during her three-year-old season to give her a chance in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) where she ran a creditable seventh in 2024.

But setbacks have hampered Bush Girl’s career since then.

She spent more than a year away from the races before making a successful return with victory over 1400m at Nowra earlier this month.

Trainer Kerry Parker (Pic: Steve Hart)

“We gave her a long break because she had some bone chips removed out of her knee,” Parker said.

“She returned knocking off the maiden there at Nowra and she returned in good style.

“The next step will be a class 1 at Kembla, which will obviously be a bit stronger but she’s going into it really well.”

Bush Girl can take advantage of an inside draw in barrier one with Adrian Layt booked to do the steering.

Parker will use the 3kg claim of apprentice Rebecca Bronett Prag when Mrs Flanders makes her debut in the City Motor Group Midway Maidan Plate (1000m).

Mrs Flanders was formerly trained in Sydney by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott but was transferred to Parker midway through this preparation, winning a recent trial at Kembla.

“She has been with us for a little bit and has had that trial and a jumpout,” Parker said.

“I think she trialled quite good but we are still learning about her.

“I think barrier one is a benefit and the 3kg claim of Rebecca’s is a benefit so I think she gets into the race alright.”

Leon Ruben, to be partnered by Layt, kicks off Parker’s assault on home turf when he has his third start in the Cherry Checkered Flag Super Maiden Handicap (1500m).

The lightly-raced son of Cool Aza Beel was in the market last start over 1400m at Kembla but didn’t perform as hoped, finishing eighth.

“He was disappointing last start but he is a bit of a slow learning type,” Parker said.

“With the blinkers on on Saturday, it might help him focus up.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s meeting at Kembla Grange