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Sargent Debuts Long Range Derby Prospect (Kembla Saturday)

John Sargent is hoping to unearth his latest Derby contender when the promising Owen County debuts at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

Trainer John Sargent (Pic: Steve Hart).

The son of Dundeel, a winner of the 2013 Australian Derby, will step out in the Huntley 2YO Maiden Handicap (1400m).

Three trials have the two-year-old ready for his debut with Rory Hutchings engaged to pilot the juvenile from barrier five.

"He is a lovely horse," Sargent said,

"It will be interesting to see how he goes on the heavy but he is a Dundeel and he's ready to go.

"He's had enough education, he has done enough work and if he switches on I expect he should run well.

"He has trialled nicely and hopefully that Dundeel factor kicks in on the heavy track because, if it's a heavy 10, he might need it."

Owen County has finished third in both of his trials this time in, hitting the line hard in his latest effort over 1050m at Randwick on a soft 7.

Saturday could be the gelding's only start this preparation with a Queensland winter carnival tilt only minor possibility if he puts his best foot forward on debut.

But Sargent believes Owen County's best won't come until his three-year-old season.

"Hopefully by the spring we put him on that (Victoria) Derby path," he said.

"He seems like that type of horse at home and I will put him down that track."

Sargent has trained winners of the Queensland, Victoria and Australian Derbies over the past decade.

Meanwhile, the Randwick trainer also has Global Sensation engaged in the Avondale CG&E Maiden Plate (1500m).

The Artie Schiller gelding started his career in Queensland with Eric Hayes but has moved to Sargent's yard this preparation.

Global Sensation finished fifth at Goulburn over 1300m in his debut for the new yard and will appreciate the step up in trip with star apprentice Dylan Gibbons in the saddle on the weekend.

"He needed the run the other day and I expect he will improve off that," Sargent said.


Owen County runs third in a trial at Randwick on March 18

"From the draw he should end up closer off not a bad first up effort."

Kembla Grange was rated a heavy 10 on Friday morning and the track is being closely monitored in the lead up to raceday.

The Illawarra Turf Club unfortunately lost a meeting on Tuesday however with clear skies forecast for the next two days the eight-race card is a good chance of getting the green light.

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

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