Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker finds himself at a racing crossroads, carefully evaluating the spring campaign for his promising gelding Sempre Forte. The talented five-year-old has put himself firmly in contention for two of the region's most prestigious races after an impressive recent performance.
Sempre Forte showcased his class with a strong third-place finish in the Group 2 Missile Stakes at Randwick on August 3, proving he can mix it with quality company. This performance has opened up two exciting possibilities for the emerging star.
The Big Decision: Two Major Targets
Parker is now weighing up two significant options for his charge:
- The Gong (November 23): Kembla Grange's signature $1 million race run over 1600 metres
- The Hunter (November 16): Newcastle's $1 million feature over 1300 metres
"We'll just see how he pulls up and then make a plan from there," Parker told reporters, emphasising the careful consideration needed for this important decision.
A Rising Star's Journey
Sempre Forte has been building an impressive resume, with his recent Randwick performance particularly catching the eye. The gelding finished just behind the Chris Waller-trained Espiona and the Annabel Neasham-trained Sunshine In Paris, demonstrating he belongs at this level.
"He ran super," Parker said of the Missile Stakes effort. "He was only beaten a length and a half and he was closing late."
The trainer noted the significance of the performance, highlighting that "it was a Group 2 and he was taking on some quality horses." This strong showing against elite competition has given Parker confidence that Sempre Forte is ready for bigger challenges.
Strategic Considerations
The decision between The Gong and The Hunter will come down to several factors:
- Distance preference: Determining whether the horse is better suited to 1300m or 1600m
- Track conditions: Assessing how the horse performs on different track surfaces
- Competition level: Evaluating the strength of each race's field
- Campaign timing: Planning the ideal preparation and lead-up races
Parker's careful approach reflects the importance of getting this decision right for both the horse's development and the stable's spring carnival ambitions.
Racing fans will be watching closely as one of Illawarra's leading trainers plots the course for one of his most promising gallopers in what promises to be an exciting spring racing season.
