Icebath chasing Group 2 win at Kembla Grange on path to Epsom Handicap

But that doesn't mean trainer Brad Widdup isn't eager to see his mare salute at Kembla Grange.

The five-year-old is a proven Group performer, claiming six placings in black-type races, as well as a second in last year's Golden Eagle.

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The mare was runner-up in the Doncaster Mile and third in her last start, the Group 3 Show County Quality. She has earned more than $2.3 million in prize money.

Despite the success, Icebath is yet to win at Group level and Widdup is optimistic Saturday is the day she finally breaks through.

"I haven't got her screwed down completely yet," Widdup said. "It's only early on in the prep, so I'm not getting too excited about her. As long as she runs well this weekend, the next couple of runs are the crucial runs.

"It would be nice to see her get a black-type win on her form. There's no pressure, she doesn't have to do any more, but winning is what it's all about. It would be nice to see her win one, she thoroughly deserves it."

Icebath's quest for victory won't be easy, the race featuring multiple proven Group performers.

Joe Pride's Private Eye headlines that list, the gelding also on a path to the Epsom.

Big Parade is looking to go the other way, Mark Newnham using Saturday's Group 2 race as a springboard for the Classique Legend Stakes and The Hunter towards the end of the spring.

Widdup hopes to progress from Saturday to the Golden Pendant in two weeks before a short back up into the Epsom.

It's a busy preparation, but one the trainer has used successfully in the past.

"She went from the Emancipation into the Doncaster, so we're trying to map the same way," Widdup said.

"This week is a nice race leading to where we're going, we have to keep her ticking over. If she can get a soft run early, she's a chance of finishing over the top."

Among Widdup's other threats are John Thompson's Chat, with Kembla apprentice Brock Ryan looking to claim his second black-type victory on his home track.

The jockey rode the gelding to victory in the Winter Stakes before he ran second in the Group 2 Missile Stakes with Rachel King on board.

The five-year-old struggled last start, however Ryan is confident he can get the best out of the horse on Saturday.

"It's a tough race but he's a horse that's been racing well," Ryan said. "It looked like he was ridden out of his comfort zone last start and didn't finish off as well as he had been.

"His first-up and second-up runs were very good. If he gets the right run in this race, he will be hard to beat with 54kg on his back."

Saturday's meeting is the third to be shifted to Kembla Grange as a result of Sydney's COVID outbreak.

With Parramatta Local Government under hard lockdown, Rosehill has not been able to host race days.

Four black-type races will be contested on Saturday, the Listed Dulcify Stakes and Group 2 contests the Sheraco, Theo Marks and Run To The Rose.

The Kembla Grange surface has come under criticism in recent weeks, with some Sydney trainers suggesting the venue is not up to standard for such important events.

Local trainers have been pleased with the track, Luke Price declaring it in outstanding condition.

Team Hawkes scratched Remarque from the San Domenico Stakes two weeks ago due to concerns about the Kembla Grange track.

Jockey Tommy Berry also suggested Stay Inside did not handle the surface after a disappointing showing in the race.

Both horses will line up on Saturday in the Run To The Rose, the key lead in to the Group 1 Golden Rose.

Remarque is $5.50 in betting, with Stay Inside at $7.50. Anamoe is the $2.40 favourite.

The Godolphin runner will start his spring on Saturday after a temperature spike last month delayed his preparation.

Anamoe is one of four Group 1 winners to line up in the Run To The Rose and trainer James Cummings recognises his horse faces a tough first-up assignment.

"We are really pleased to have him back on track, despite having a setback so close to his resumption," Cummings said.

"He's got it all to do. Look at the quality of the horse that is here. There are most of the two-year-old Group 1 winners."

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