Worth trip for rising maidens

Trainer Kerry Parker is hoping the long trip from Kembla to Newcastle can prove fruitful for two lightly raced threeyear-old fillies chasing their first wins.

Parker has endured a tough run with Callistemon and Bush Girl, with both fillies having gone awfully close to winning but ultimately falling just short on several occasions.

“Both horses are knocking on the door to win,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get the maiden tag off one of them but it would nice to get it off both.”

Callistemon placed in each of her four runs last preparation against some handy types, including a third to Mogwai and Northern Eyes at Canterbury at her last run on November 17.

The daughter of Territories trialled nicely at Nowra two weeks ago and kicks off her campaign in a 900m Maiden Handicap.

“She raced really well last preparation with three second placings at the provincials and a third at a Canterbury night meeting,” he said.

“She had a terrific preparation without winning.

“She has had the one little trial at Nowra and a 900m is perfect starting point for her.

“She will definitely be better as she gets up over a bit further but you are either paying fees for another trial or she can go around for some money. And she will get more benefit from a race.

“She gets three kilos off her back with the claim of Jess Del Frari and she has a nice enough draw in barrier five.

“With a bit of luck in running, hopefully she can stick her head out on time.”

Stablemate Bush Girl has placed twice in her six starts.

She was pipped by Tell Me Ma over 1900m at Gosford three starts back and was less than a length from Midori Giant over 1600m at Kembla on February 29.