Kemp, Tomizawa looking to stay on winning track
Trainer Kevin Kemp is hoping he can finish an exciting day for jockey Nozi Tomizawa on a high note at Clifford Park tomorrow when the pair combines again with in-form mare Rhiatenn Road.
Riahtenn Road is chasing successive home-track wins in the Nuturf Benchmark 70 Handicap (1625m).
Tomizawa has three rides on the seven-race card but not before he earlier joins in Australia’s richest race day with two engagements at the Gold Coast Magic Millions race meetings.
Tomizawa teams with Toowoomba trainer Troy Pascoe aboard I’m Alone in the $250,000 Country Cup (1200m) before looking to continue his winning association with Gold Coast mare Sylpheed.
Tomizawa partnered Slypheed in her latest Listed Just Now victory at Doomben and tomorrow they tackle the $1 million Fillies and Mares (1300m) event for her trainer Toby Edmonds and Japan-based owner Tommy Sekiguchi.
Both I’m Alone and Slypheed have drawn widely in their respective races with both having 18 alley.
Tomizawa has not ridden at a Magic Millions day since the completion of his apprenticeship and is looking forward to mixing with racing royalty.
“Both my rides are going to need a bit of luck but I’m still confident they can run a race,” Tomizawa said.
“All I can do is try to give them the best run I can from
the alley and hope they are good enough on the day.
“It is always a great day to be at and I’m looking forward to meeting up with some of the top jockeys like Hugie Bowman who has just won the Japan Cup.
“Riding at these type of meetings can only help you as a jockey.”
Kemp has opted not to split a winning combination when he welcomes Tomizawa home to ride Rhiatenn Road.
The nine-year-old carried 54.5kg in her latest Benchmark 75 victory and despite her rise to 58.5kg for this week’s assignment, Kemp has resisted the temptation to seek a claiming rider.
“She’s trained on lovely and is in a good place at present so I can’t see any reason why she won’t go close again,” Kemp said.
“She’s getting up a little in the weights and I could have tried for a claiming rider.
“But Nozi has had a lot of success on her and they seem to get on well together.
“It would be nice to finish with some success on what has been a good week with the announcement of prize money increases.
“It’s great news and very much welcomed by everyone in the industry.”