David vs Goliath: Toowoomba trainer Kevin Kemp in $1m mission in Sires’
It will be a case of David versus Goliath as Toowoomba trainer and one-time taxi driver Kevin Kemp looks to take down some of racing’s biggest names with a $30,000 filly in the $1m BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Horse Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Toowoomba trainer Kevin Kemp quips he wished they would close the state borders so the big name southern trainers couldn’t get into Queensland for the winter carnival.
Nevertheless, the one-time taxi driver thinks he can land a knockout blow in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) with $30,000 filly Jemoma Alpilage.
Kemp has never won a $1m race – or a Group 2 race – and is shooting for the stars with the filly who is owned by the Searle family which includes well-known bookmaker Con Searle.
* Mishani Man to quit training amid shock cancer battle
Jemoma Alpilage was backed off the map last start when $13 into $6 when running home strongly late for fourth in the Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) which was won by Althoff on the Sunshine Coast on May 11.
There was $101 available earlier in the week for Jemoma Alpilage to win Saturday’s Sires’ at Eagle Farm and the filly is now into $34.
Kemp will be taking on some of racing’s biggest names – Cummings, Waller, Maher and Freedman – in the rich Sires’.
But he is far from daunted.
“Last start, this filly might have finished closer if she wasn’t trapped over on the inside and at the finish she was less than a couple of lengths off the winner,” Kemp said.
“(Jockey) Vlad Duric really likes her and I hope she is right. I have never won a $1m race so this could be new ground for me. I do know all of the southern horses will be hard to beat.”
And Kemp then added, with a chuckle: “As far as I’m concerned the southerners shouldn’t be allowed up here at winter time.
“There should be a big gate at the border keeping them all out.”
* Tuvalu's secret weapon ahead of Group 1 tilt
If Jemoma Alpilage is an eye-catcher on Saturday at Eagle Farm it will only enhance her claims for the Group 1 JJ Atkins over 1600m next month.
Kemp feels the 1400m will be good for his filly in the Sires’ and she will probably enjoy the 1600m of the JJ even more.
* ‘Jumped out of the ground': Waller's Derby hope relishing QLD
“I’m so pleased that I’ve got her, she is a lovely filly to train, and she is on song for Saturday,” Kemp said.
“The 1400m is great for her and then I think 1600m will be perfect for her.
“On Saturday in the Sires’ we are drawn the right in the middle of the field to give us some choices.”
Godolphin colt Broadsiding, who has drawn barrier 21 and will be ridden by Jamie Kah, is the $3.50 favourite for the Sires’.
Originally published as David vs Goliath: Toowoomba trainer Kevin Kemp in $1m mission in Sires’
Melbourne Cup weight penalty for Bart Cummings winner
Just Fine’s gutsy win earned him a Melbourne Cup weight penalty, while Racing Victoria also announced penalties for last Saturday’s Epsom Handicap and Metropolitan winners.
Goulburn, Kempsey tips and inside mail for Tuesday
A Kiwi import from the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou stable has the perfect opportunity to win his first race in Australian at Goulburn on Tuesday.