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By Ray Hickson

Kerry Parker would be happy enough to accept a consolation win if Well Timed can take one home for the locals at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

Trainer Kerry Parker (Pic: Bradley Photos).

It was Parker’s hope that the five-year-old could force his way into the $1 million Illawarra Mercury Gong and while he’s a touch disappointed about not making it he says he’d rather not be an also-ran.

So Well Timed takes his place in the Evergreen Turf Handicap (1600m) and the Kembla trainer hopes that perhaps in 12 months he’ll find himself in The Gong.

Just like Estadio Mestalla, who won the corresponding race a year ago, has done.

“His aim was the Gong this preparation if he could get his benchmark up enough to get in it,’’ Parker said.

“Because it’s a local race you aim for it but he probably would have found himself out of his league. To warrant having a run in the Gong you’ve got to earn it.

“He had a couple of chances that he didn’t win but there was always the option of this race if he didn’t make it.”

As it turned out a 100 rating was needed to make the top 16 in The Gong and Well Timed, $4.20 with TAB on Wednesday, fell 11 points short of that mark.

The gelding started this prep with a 76 rating so he has taken steps forward and if there is a bonus it’s that Nash Rawiller is able to take the ride with the 60.5kg which wouldn’t have been possible in The Gong. Though he’d likely have ridden Gringotts anyway.

Parker said his last start second, where he looked the winner only to be ambushed by Harlem Queen, in the Listed Ladies Day Cup shows he’s well enough placed.

“He’s still on the way up, he’s got better every prep and he’s consistent in his grade now. He was just beaten in a Listed race at Hawkesbury so he’s on his way,’’ he said.

“He gets into it well, he’s racing well, no doubt it looks a nice race for him.

“A little shower before Saturday would be nice. I’m pleased with him and he gets his chance to race really well.”

Consistent mare Callistemon started her previous preparation with a string of placings before scoring over the mile at Randwick fourth-up but Parker expects her to be a factor in the Midway Handicap (1400m).

She kicked off that last campaign at 1200m on her home track so he says the extra trip and being at home are in her favour.

“She’s come back really nicely, she’s proven she’s good and competitive in this Midway grade before,’’ he said.

“It’s a nice target for her on the Midway path until she hopefully gets too good for it.

“No doubt she will improve with the run being first-up but I don’t think she’s out of it.”

Lightly raced six-year-old mare Let’s Go Again will also be first-up at Kembla Grange in the Altus Traffic Handicap (1000m) and Parker warns not to underestimate her.

Well Timed runs second at Hawkesbury on November 8

She worked her way through to Benchmark 78 grade last time in on the back of a couple of Midway placings and gets in on the minimum fresh.

“She’s a tough little nut who goes out and gives 100 per cent every start,’’ Parker said.

“She’s a point and shoot sort of horse, you point her in the direction and she just runs. She goes in with a light weight and 1000m on her home track is a lovely start for her.”

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