Toowoomba trainer Kevin Kemp has given his apprentice Nick Keal a chance to ride his first metropolitan winner with two promising rides at Eagle Farm.
Keal, 21, has ridden 94 career winners with 24 this season which has been interrupted because of injury.
Keal will need to be at his best as Kemp’s runners Plumaro and Tisani Magic are both drawn wide.
Plumaro returned to form with a fast-finishing third at Eagle Farm last week and Kemp is keen to give her a last chance to win more QTIS bonus money.
Kemp said while wide barriers from the 1800m at Eagle Farm were usually a major worry, it should not hamper Plumaro’s racing style.
“She gets back anyway and she should avoid any interference from the extreme outside barrier,” Kemp said.
He has good reason to give Plumaro another chance at a QTIS prize as she has won $322,000 of which $140,000 is bonus money.
“The QTIS money is really good and you have to chase it when you can,” Kemp said.
Tisani Magic was unlucky at his last start when fourth at his first attempt at open company two weeks ago.
“He covered a lot of extra ground but kept trying. He is down in class but up in weight,” Kemp said.
He said Keal’s 3kg claim gave both his horses top chances at the weights.
“Nick has a good winning strike-rate and he has been around for a while at the outer tracks,” Kemp said.
“I have no doubt he can step up to metropolitan Saturday racing.”
