Trainer Joseph Ible believes Egypitian's Reward has made the necessary improvement needed to be a major player on home turf on Tuesday, but concedes her ability to handle rain-affected conditions will play a significant part at Kembla Grange.
Egypitian's Reward ($13 into $7.50 on TAB) will line-up for just her third start and second under Ible's new when she contests the Country Music Race Day 17 May Maiden (1300m).
She started her career with Annabel and Rob Archibald but only had one start for the Sydney trainers last preparation.
Egypitian's Reward (Louise Day) heads to the barriers at Kembla Grange. Image by Bradley Photographers
The daughter of Our Royal Egyptian joined Ible's yard at the beginning of this preparation and wasn't far away on debut for her new trainer at Kembla last month, finishing fifth in a 1300m provincial maiden.
“I am expecting an improved performance from first-up,” Ible said.
“I have been quite impressed with what she has done since she joined the stable.
“I think she was probably a bit soft first-up, 1300m like she was last start but staying at that distance again, I think she will be fit and ready to do something. She looks like a filly that will get out to 1400 to a mile.”
Egypitian's Reward has never been exposed to anything worse than a Soft 5 track on raceday so could be stepping somewhat into the unknown when she lines up on home turf.
A week of rain last week saw Kembla rated a Heavy 9 on Monday with clear skies forecast for Tuesday's seven-event card.
“Most of the ground around here is still pretty wet so we are just hoping to get a good drying day,” Ible said.
“We will see how she gets through but I am happy with where she is at and if she handles the track, she should be right in it."
Louise Day will partner Egypitian's Reward in a competitive affair midway through the program.
The Edward Cummings-trained Cathedral Cove ($2.40 favourite) will be the horse to beat after placing in his past three starts this preparation.
Fellow Kembla trainer Mitch Beer has the lightly-raced Strassman ($3.80 to $6) chasing a breakthrough success while Robert and Luke Price have a two-pronged attack with Kickstart ($15) and Glitterscript ($16).
Rubilace ($14) will hunt a maiden win on home turf for Theresa Bateup while Brad Widdup's Jump In The Lane ($5) is among the leading chances.
View final fields with full form & race replays for Kembla Grange here