Kembla trainers eyeing big races as excitement builds for The Gong

A number of trainers are hoping to use the coming weeks as a springboard for a successful summer, with multiple talented horses approaching a return to racing.

For Tochi trainer Luke Price, the coming months are the perfect time to target a number of city races.

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"We have two of the stable stars preparing to start their campaigns," Price said. "Tochi will be going around here next Saturday at The Gong meeting.

"She looks outstanding for where she's at in her prep. She's come back a bigger, stronger mare than last prep.

"Count De Rupee is on track for the Magic Millions. He'll have to earn his way there, he'll likely go around on the 28^th then make his way up to Wyong for the three-year-old race to try get into the field."

Price's excitement isn't confined to his stable's top horses, with the trainer eager to see a number of prospects contest maidens at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

Stays on Tour and Grand Palazzo will contest a 1300 metres maiden plate, the lightly raced pair showing plenty of promise in recent barrier trials.

While struggling at the races, Price has been thrilled with their track work and remains confident their best is not far away.

"I have a bit of time for my maidens. The pair in race two have drawn good barriers, Stays on Tour was beaten midfield at Nowra but has had two official trials and a private one and he's been so good in every one. He'll be over the odds on Saturday.

"Grand Palazzo has the tongue tie on and that made a hell of a difference. She goes so well with Madi Waters, no weight on her back.

"She trialed Wednesday, went around hard on the bridle, licked the bin, it's the ideal preparation for her."

The Prices won't be the only stable with a keen eye on their up and coming horses on Saturday, with a pair of promising Gwenda Markwell fillies to line up on their home track.

Point Hope will look to back up a maiden victory on Melbourne Cup day when she contests a 1600m class one, while Star Point will race in a 1500m maiden.

Owner-breeder Matthew Sandblom is optimistic the half-sisters will develop into black-type horses, the Kiama resident eyeing a number of three-year-old races in the autumn for the pair.

"The Oaks is what everyone would hope for," Sandblom said. "We always thought Star Point was a nice filly as a foal and yearling, she's now just coming into her own.

"Point Hope, we'll see if she gets much beyond a mile. She's definitely improving as she gets over a bit more distance, hopefully that will continue."