Latest News

Mark Minervini reckons Go Gazza is his best chance on the Kembla Grange program on Thursday but is expecting talented stablemate Super to return in good order.

The Newcastle trainer accepted with three runners on the provincial card, however, he is more likely to trial unraced youngster Soobooco next Thursday with the track rated a Heavy 8.

It leaves him with two strong chances and Go Gazza is the best of them in the Maddens Plains Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1300m).

Go Gazza and Tommy Berry in winning touch. Image by Bradley Photographers

Go Gazza ($8.50 on TAB) is coming off a first-up fourth at Newcastle and jumps from barrier six with star jockey Tommy Berry in the saddle.

"He has only won the two races and Tommy has won both times on him," Minervini said.

"He was desperately unlucky the other day at Newcastle. He ran into traffic all the way up the straight.

"If he hadn't won, he would have run second so the horse is going well.

"Tommy Berry is a tick, the 1300m is a tick and he has run well at Kembla before, running second.

"The soft track is not going to bother him too much so I would say he is my best chance."

Minervini's other main chance Super ($9.50) won't love the heavy footing but he's keen to kick off his campaign and feels Saturday is the right chance.

Super has misfired in recent preparations and will chase his first win in 20 months when he contends the Darkes Forest Benchmark Handicap (1000m).

"At one stage he was absolutely flying and his best win there was in a metro race on Hunter day," Minervini said. "He hasn't had any major issues but has had little niggling issues that have plagued him.

"We've just had some issues with his feet but he seems to be in good order. On his day, he is better than (the horses he is facing) and is weighted the best horse in the race."

Madeline Owen's 3kg claim bring's Super's weight down to 57.5kg. Super has two trials in preparation for his return, including a last go where he was fourth behind former Everest runner Embracer on the Randwick synthetic.

"Over 780m which isn't ideal, I thought he trialled really well. He didn't trial with the blinkers on which will go on on Saturday so with the blinkers on and the 3kg he should run well.

"If the track is not too bad, I would say he will be finishing off pretty well."

Race one jumps at 12.55pm on Thursday.

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