Kembla Grange hosts a 10 race card on Saturday with the $300k Warra and the $1million Gong as the two feature races in Race 7 and 8. The rail is in its true position for the entirety and conditions are set to be GOOD with fine/overcast weather predicted. watch and monitor. Shannon Buckley brings you his best bets for the program below!
Kembla Grange Racing Tips: Saturday, November 22nd 2025
Race 3: Altus Traffic BM78 1000m - 1:45pm (AEDT)
(2) Frilled: 6YO Mare arrived into this prep with a tidy CV and has been luckless more often than not. Her first-up run at Group level over this trip was outstanding—strong late and clearly measuring up—and her effort two back was solid again behind a couple of handy types. She now plummets back in grade and maps to get every chance. The early market move from $21 into $11 (without a single scratching) is a strong push, and she certainly profiles like a mare ready to rebound. Live chance at value.
(6) Cassiel: 5YO gelding who put together a terrific campaign last prep with two wins and a fighting second, showing he’s more than capable at this level. Resumes today with a strong first-up record and arrives off a sharp trial that suggests he’s forward enough to strike fresh. Drawn to get a sweet run, and K-Mac—who is two from two aboard—sticks the saddle. Plenty of ticks. Major player.
(9) Couples Retreat: We were with her during the week before she came out scratched to run here instead—a move that looks deliberate and positive. She’s undefeated over this track and trip (2 from 2) and continues to race in excellent order. Proven, consistent, and clearly well placed. Must be respected.
(2) Frilled E/W
$11/$3.10 (1U/2U)
Race 7: Mcr The Warra 1000m - 4:05pm (AEDT)
(1) Dragonstone: 7YO gelding who was airborne last prep but hasn’t quite recaptured that spark this time in. That said, there were clear signs of life last start—he was absolutely crunched in betting and, despite lumping a hefty 61.5kg, he still finished only a length off them in sixth. Now rock-hard fit and sliding into a much more suitable set-up, this shapes as genuine D-Day. His best is more than competitive at this level. Worth including in exotics.
(3) Zealously: The favourite for good reason. He arrives off a terrific run at Group 2 level where he was narrowly edged out by Rey Magnerio and Geegees Mistruth—elite form for a race of this profile. Third up now and boasting a perfect third-up record, he draws gate 1, maps for the dream run, and loves this trip. On top of the ground, he is ultra-reliable (5: 4-0-1). Ticks everywhere. Major player.
(7) The Black Cloud: A talented 5YO mare resuming for the Jo Pride yard, who are absolutely humming at the moment. She’s trialled up strongly and looks to have returned in great order. With her sharp fresh record and an appealing price on offer, she shapes as a real each-way hope. Market watch recommended.
Also Backing: (7) The Black Cloud $6.50 (1 Unit)
(3) Zealously WIN
$2.30 (4 Units)
Race 8: The Illawarra Mercury Gong 1600m - 4:45pm (AEDT)
(1) Gringotts: A classy operator who continues to show tremendous grit under big weights and has built a rock-solid CV. His latest victory in the Big Dance was outstanding, weaving through along the rails and finishing best to score stylishly. Now fourth up—an assignment in which he’s unbeaten (3 from 3)—he stays at the top of the weights but has earned that position and will attract strong support again. A genuine talent in career-best touch. Deserving favourite.
(2) Duke De Sessa: A galloper with proper credentials, having competed with distinction in much tougher company. He broke through fresh last preparation over this very trip, finally adding a first-up victory to his record. His lead-up trial was sharp, suggesting he’s returned in good order, and at big odds he appeals as a smoky capable of producing a serious run on his day. Blowout hope.
(13) Tavi Time: We were with him in the Big Dance last start and he had absolutely no luck, held up at a crucial stage when travelling beautifully. His 400–200m split was outstanding, indicating he would’ve gone very close with clear air. The run prior over 1400m was also strong, sticking on gamely behind HEADLEY GRANGE and GRINGOTTS, which made the step to the mile last start ideal (Just luckless). He stays at the mile now and importantly gets in 7.5kg lighter than Gringotts, which is 2.5kg better off than when they last met – a significant swing in his favour. Now fourth-up and rock-hard fit, he looks primed to produce his peak run. The barrier is a little sticky, but with a touch of luck early he can find cover and blend into the race at the right time. At the price, we’re more than happy to take on the wide draw given his recent form. Tommy Berry takes over the reins and is certainly capable when he’s on song.
(13) Tavi Time E/W
$7.50/$2.40 (1U/2U)
