Former South Australian trainer Mark Minervini is chasing a spot in the $1 million The Gong, after celebrating a milestone victory with rejuvenated gelding Super at the stand-alone meeting at Newcastle.
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Super's triumph in the Hungerford Hill Handicap (1600m) was Minervini's first Saturday-class win since he relocated to the regional centre 15 months ago.
Minervini trained his share of smart horses during his time in Adelaide, including Group Two winners Vormista and Go The Knuckle.
It was Super's third in a row and Minervini will look at the feature Kembla Grange meeting next week.
"I might even throw in a nomination for The Gong next week. Whether he gets a start or not I don't know," Minervini said.
"But the horse is absolutely airborne and he has backed up well before.
"There is a benchmark race over a mile as well so I think you will see him next Saturday."
Meanwhile, Nash Rawiller took out the $1 million The Hunter (1300m) with Sweet Deal at Newcastle on Saturday.
Sweet Deal was Rawiller's first winner after returning from a 15-month racing ban from Hong Kong stewards who outed him for allegedly accepting gifts in exchange for tips. And they combined again for the big feature race for John Thompson.
"She was my first Saturday city winner back after Hong Kong, obviously after 15 months on the sidelines, and she's just kept raising the bar as we've gone along," Rawiller said.
"She's had a Group Three win before and to come back and win a $1 million race, it's not just exciting but it's a great thrill to do it on her."
Markwell's rising Star
Gwenda Markwell has unearthed a three-year-old filly with real staying potential, as Star Point relished the improved track condition at Kembla Grange on Saturday.
Stepping out for just her second career run - after debuting when fifth on a Heavy 8 over 1200m - Star Point ($16) enjoyed the genuine 1500m contest up front, prevailing by two lengths ahead of the grinding Matthew Smith-trained Tamarin.
Jockey Keagan Latham said she's still a "big baby", but could mature into a metropolitan class stayer.
"I really like this filly," Latham said.
"She did everything I asked of her, she had a little bit of early speed, more than I thought.
"But that was a good thing, because they've gone at a good pace and she just outstayed them at the end.
"She is still a big baby, she runs around a little bit, but I think this will bring her on plenty.
"... Once you start going over further with her, she'll be pretty useful and one day we can work our way into town."
Latham had settled in behind the leaders Pumpernickle, who trailed off to finish 11th and Kellers Shelter (fourth), but Star Point relished the battle in the final furlong.
Peter and Paul Snowden's Peekays Legacy was the eye-catcher in third.
Meanwhile, Kerry Parker's three-year-old Nicconi gelding Don Luigi defied a three-wide run and his $41 price tag, to stick on for a half-length third in Saturday's Class 1 event over 1200m.
Stranded deep from barrier eight, jockey Chad Lever took up the fight into the straight and hit the front with 200m left, only for the effort to take its toll late.
Bjorn Baker's Kobe Rocks surged on the inside to win, with Richard and Michael Freedman's Shadow Chaser getting the bob for second.
Robert and Luke Price-trained Against The Tide warded off all challengers in the Benchmark 64 over 1400m to finish the day, a reward for connections deep into the preparation.
Winning Mantra for top stable
Missile Mantra provided the Triple Crowning glory at Sandown, but the Peter and Paul Snowden stable also enjoyed a feast of success at Kembla Grange.
Hours before Missile Mantra - in the famous red colours also worn by Everest winner Redzel - broke a drought of 18 months to claim the Group 3 Rod Smith Summoned Stakes, the Snowdens had taken out three of the first four races at the Saturday provincial meeting.
Among them, Keagan Latham booted clear for a dominant three-length win on Stoical, breaking his maiden at the third start, over 1000m.
Angel Helena set the tone for the day with a narrow triumph in a Class 1 over a mile, while Thudson claimed a Benchmark 64 over 1000m.
The Snowdens also prevailed in the Listed Sandown Cup over 3200m with Carif.
It came after South Coast trainers Robert and Luke Price and Graeme Murray were among the winners at Canterbury on Friday night.
Cuban Royale ($26) lifted late to snare a Benchmark 72 (1250m), nosing out Zouologist for the Prices, while veteran Coolotta ($18) also narrowly got the bob in a 1200m BM72.
