Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride is gearing up for a potential three-pronged attack on the $1 million The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange this Saturday.
Pride has entered Little Dance (1600m) runner-up Estadio Mestalla, recent winner King Of The Castle, and Group 3 victor Lekvarte for the mile feature.
Lekvarte comes into the race off a stellar performance two starts back, winning the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
She was last seen finishing sixth behind Atishu in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, a result Pride acknowledged as a step up in class.
“It was probably a bit strong for her, that Group 1 standard,” Pride said.
“She has never raced as well when I have travelled her; she likes Sydney. I’ve had horses like that, so hopefully Kembla should suit her.”
A nine-time winner, Lekvarte remains Pride’s top seed for The Gong.
Estadio Mestalla and King Of The Castle, however, also bring compelling form into the race.
Estadio Mestalla was narrowly defeated by St Lawrence in the Little Dance at Randwick, while King Of The Castle shouldered 62.5 kilograms to victory in a 1500-metre Benchmark 88 event on the same card.
“Coming back off Group 1 standard, Lekvarte will probably be the best of those chances, although it might come down to luck, but they’ve all got a hope,” Pride added.
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