Kembla Grange Tips & Preview | Wednesday 28 January

He didn’t show a lot last time in, but after a credible performance to finish two lengths behind the winner first up at Nowra, Walk Like A Man turned in a vastly improved performance to only just miss here last time out.

Trainer Kerry Parker is as good at placing his horses as anyone, and I’m confident that Walk Like A Man can strike this week.

Powerful Prayer has turned in some fine performances in four appearances since resuming, winning in Class 1 company up at Newcastle most notablt, while he was last seen filling the minors behind the likes of Stay Tuned at this track and distance.

In peak order this week, he’s drawn to receive a lovely run from an inside gate and should get his chance.

Manukau finished her debut prep with consecutive second placings at Hawkesbury and Warwick Farm and incredibly, she’s also finished second in each of two runs back this time.

Fitter third-up and in what looks to the one of the weaker tasks she’s been set, I’m eager to stick with her this week.

Having shown some ability at the trials prior to debuting, Bondasong stamped himself as one to follow with a dominant performance in maiden company at Gosford.

This is harder, but with natural improvement, I am confident he can go on with it.

Coco Dior hasn’t been seen at the races since September and she only made one appearance during her first prep, but it was a credible performance to fill the minors right here at Kembla.

She’s trialled up nicely and will need some luck from a wide draw, but she looks forward enough and talented enough to win this.

Octa De Lago finished second at each of his first two starts back this time, only just denied on both occasions, while he broke through for a lovely win in BM64 company last time out.

He’s hard fit and something like this looks the next logical step for him to take.