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By Nick Berney

KEMBLA GRANGE – BEST BET: Race 5 # 1 – HURSTVILLE ZAGREB

He was brave in defeat last start in a high-rating race after being heavily backed and can bounce back in this assignment with a much more positive race setup. The gelding had to work early from an awkward draw at Rosehill 14 days ago and always faced the breeze throughout at a fast pace. Further, he stuck on bravely to be beaten by a length, and the other on-pace runners faded out, adding extra merit to his performance. He has a solid platform now stepping up in trip, and the significant barrier change is a key advantage, allowing him to have a much more economical run in transit. Additionally, he has multiple winning ratings, consistent form, and a strong SP profile relative to his rivals.

Zealously (Pic: Bradley Photos).

KEMBLA GRANGE – NEXT BEST: Race 7 # 3 – ZEALOUSLY

All eyes will be on the weather, as his chances hinge significantly on the track condition, with his peak figures coming on dry ground. The four-year-old broke the track record first-up at Warwick Farm over 1000m, and even after track-speeding for the day ran a slick time. He was solid last start when racing the anti-clockwise direction for the first time, and he’s well-suited in this event. The Snowden galloper maps well, has a dominant ratings profile and will take catching.

KEMBLA GRANGE – VALUE BET: Race 9 # 4 – RUBY FLYER

He represents value and is ready to win with his last two efforts, having hidden sectional merit. The gelding had genuine excuses last start in The Big Dance (1600m) where he had the race shape against and was checked/blocked for the majority of the straight, but once clear he hit the line hard running a sharp final 200 split. He is racing much better than the form guide reads and has the closing speed/figures to run over the top of his rivals.

INVERELL SATURDAY – COUNTRY PICK: Race 1 # 5 – THE AMBASSADOR

She was solid in defeat first-up at Coffs Harbour in a stronger grade, and all key indicators suggest she can only improve up in trip. The five-year-old wasn’t suited to the sit/sprint race shape last start, but she built momentum and ran fast closing splits in a fast time race relative to the day. Further, that form has since been proven, and she is well-paced dropping grade and into set-weight conditions. Likeable profile.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Newcastle meeting