HORSE RACING
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Mitchell Bell is in pole position to wrap up the Kembla Grange senior jockey's title as Winona Costin extended her margin in the apprentice title race with three meetings remaining.
Bell (96 points) kicked clear at the top in front of last season's champion Jeff Penza and Scott Pollard (both 80 points).
A pending suspension could delay or possibly still deny success for Bell but the jockey should be able to ride at the Illawarra Turf Club's next meeting on Tuesday.
Having claimed a Newcastle jockey's title in the past, Bell said it would be an honour to add Kembla to his list of accolades.
"This year it has just been outstanding. I have had a great year and a great season. It is good to get these sort of things because it all counts and people do take notice."
Bell added a win on Back in the Game last Saturday with two minor placings helping to further his cause.
"I didn't have a bad day on Saturday. I wouldn't have minded a couple more winners to help with the point score," Bell said.
Meanwhile Costin, who has spent most of her time riding in Sydney at the Gai Waterhouse stable, still found time to improve her position in the apprentices in recent weeks.
The young hoop sits on 53 points, 12 clear of Brodie Loy (41) and Taylor Marshall (31).
Gwenda Markwell is already assured of a 12th straight Kembla trainer's premiership as well as the overall trainers prize.
The Horse of the Year crown is also likely to head to her stable with Totally Devoted (38) and Steerage (29) leading the way.
Totally Devoted is an acceptor in a Benchmark 70 (1300m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.