Kembla preview: Trainer Kerry Parker’s trio are ready to make a promising start to their campaigns on home turf

Trainer Kerry Parker is optimistic about the prospects of La Bella Bondi, Mah Ali and stable newcomer Irish Bliss in their return to racing at Kembla.

Trainer Kerry Parker is expecting good first-up runs from his trio. Picture: Bradley Photos

Trainer Kerry Parker has been prominent in Midway races over the past two months and hopes another couple of horses will step up to that level this campaign after they kick off on their home track.

Parker has found an ideal first-up assignment in the Abax Contracting Provincial Benchmark 68 Handicap (1200m) as a springboard for handy mare Mah Ali and newcomer Irish Bliss.

“I’ve just spelled a couple of my Midway horses. Hopefully these two can step up to that level again this preparation,” said Parker.

Mah Ali returns for her second campaign for Parker after a nice first preparation which saw her follow a Hawkesbury win with a fifth and a second to Justela in Midways at Kembla and Rosehill respectively.

It's a @kjparkerracing quinella in the Midway at Rosehill. Justela handles the ground best to beat stablemate Mah Ali. pic.twitter.com/LXTsfoOCi2

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 7, 2024

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“When she ran second to Justela in the Midway, I thought she would have beaten her on the wet track but the other mare found some form that day,” he said.

“I’m pleased with the way she has comeback.

“I wanted her to have a good, solid hit out in her trial which Adrian (Layt) gave her and I expect her to run really well.”

Irish Bliss also had Midway form last preparation with Nathan Doyle including a third and fourth behind Magnatear at Wyong and Randwick.

In his first public appearance for Parker, he finished third behind Mah Ali in their Kembla trial on July 1.

“With his Midway form, this looks a nice race for him. It’s a good starting point for him,” he said.

“He races in blinkers which I haven’t put on him in trackwork or trial. They have been saved for race day.

🟣 Bhima Grad Winner 🟣
3YO filly La Bella Bondi (Pierata x Bondi Blonde) flies home to record her maiden win for Kerry Parker @newcastleraces_.

Bred by CT Arthur, Pinhook Bloodstock, Smkt Thoroughbreds & Mr Tim Taylor, we sold her @inglis_sales Premier.

Congrats! pic.twitter.com/MxSGVUwza9

— Bhima Thoroughbreds (@BhimaTBreds) February 15, 2025

“I will learn more about him from this run but I expect he will turn up and hold his own.”

Parker’s third runner for the day is La Bella Bondi who resumes in the Elite Sand & Soil Class 1 Handicap (1300m).

She pleased Parker with her three placings and last start win in her first campaign for him and he expects her to run a bold race.

“I was learning about her last campaign and I was really pleased with how she raced,” he said.

“I wanted to kick her off over 1200m which is why I had her in at Newcastle on Tuesday but I scratched after she drew the outside barrier.

“My only query is the 1300m first-up but I’m really happy with her and I expect a forward showing.”