By Julieanne Horsman
They say a change is as good as a holiday and with four-year-old gelding Ride The River being afforded both in the last three months, a strong showing is expected at Kembla Grange tomorrow.
The flashy chestnut joined Mitch Beer and George Carpenter’s Kembla Grange stables from Bjorn Baker’s in November and is thriving in his new surroundings.
“Kembla Grange offers a great alternative for horses that aren’t quite firing in the city,” Co-trainer Mitch Beer said. “Ride The River is working well and lovely to have around the stable. He’s a gentle giant.”
Ride The River impressed his new trainers with a winning trial at home on 2nd February. Grant Buckley jumped him out last Monday and will partner him in the Dapto Leagues Club Provincial Class 1 Handicap over 1000m tomorrow.
“We had this race in mind to kick off his preparation because he can take advantage of the Provincial races now,” Mitch said. “He’s drawn wide but it’s a small field and Kembla has a long, wide straight so we are not concerned.”
Last-start winner Charlina heads the TAB market at $2.60, running a slick last 600m of 33.04 in a 3YO&UP Provincial Maiden at Kembla Grange on 7th February. Ride The River is $5.50.
Ride The River is one of two Darby Racing horses lining up for the Beer Carpenter partnership tomorrow. She’s A Dame (Tom Sherry) is among the fancied runners in the Time To Reign @ Kingstar Farm Midway Maiden Handicap and the step up to 1500m should suit her.
“We’re getting some great support from Darby Racing,” Mitch said. “We had Magical Moments win here last week. She’s another horse who has benefited from the sea change.”
Stablemate Action Not Words (Alysha Collett) is again engaged alongside She’s A Dame after finishing 7th of 8 at Gosford on debut three weeks ago.
“She’s a staying filly just learning her craft,” Mitch said. “She will need another race before she is ready to fire.”
Tried horse McAdam completes Beer Carpenter’s team of runners and will be having his first start for the stable in the Warilla Bowls Class 1 Handicap. He trialed well with Ride The River, and while 1200m is less than his ideal distance, Mitch says it is a suitable race to launch his campaign.
“He has drawn wide so he will go back,” Mitch said. “He will be doing his best work when he gets out a bit further.”
McAdam (Grant Buckley) is raced by another syndicator the Beer Carpenter boys have enjoyed success and good times with.
“Most of JJJ Racing’s clientele are young locals who love coming to the races and visiting the stables,” Mitch said. “It’s a great demographic of people to get involved in the sport and they are a really fun bunch.”