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By John Schell

Warwick Farm horseman Gregory Hickman will rely on one runner to give him success at Tuesday’s Kembla Grange meeting.

Hickman has the improving Namoi River ($13 into $8 on TAB) set to contest the Carlton Draught Midway Maiden Plate (1200m), and the trainer is hopeful he can go one better than his last start second at Bathurst.

Namoi River (Braith Nock; red cap) finishing second at Bathurst. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

“He’s a horse that has shown us a bit in his trackwork and trials, and his first two starts either side of a spell were in city grade maidens,” Hickman said.

“He didn’t do a lot in either of them but with time he is getting better and he appreciated the drop in grade at Bathurst last time out when he hit the line pretty well to finish second."

Hickman has engaged Rachel King to partner Namoi River at Kembla Grange on what will be a wet track - currently a Heavy 10.

The three-year-old gelding by Headwater drew well in barrier two, and Hickman is expecting a bold showing.

“With Rachel on and from the good gate, I think he gets his chance,” said Hickman. “He’s in his right grade and should get all the favours in the run. He should run very well.”

Like Hickman, fellow Warwick Farm trainer Joseph Pride will be represented in just the one race at Kembla Grange, however, Pride has two runners lining up in the Peroni Class 1 Handicap (1000m).

Hurt Money ($61) will be ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, while Betsy’s Flag ($5) has Doncaster Mile-winning hoop Tyler Schiller in the saddle.

“Betsy’s Flag looks to be the pick of my two,” said Pride. “She is resuming from a spell and last time in work, when she was having her first start for me, she won when resuming at Hawkesbury in good style.

“Her other three runs were all good without winning at Wyong, Hawkesbury and on the Kensington Track, and she’s had a couple of recent trials to be readied for this run.

“Hurt Money has had three runs since joining my stable and while he has shown ability in his career, he is just struggling to find his best at the moment. He’s capable of improving.”

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