Kembla Grange looks set to shine this Saturday with a capacity field of quality runners lining up in the $1 million Group 3 The Illawarra Mercury Gong (1600m).

Our best bet comes up in the Gong, with the Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts who is out to defend his title after winning the race last year.

The Per Incanto six-year-old gelding has gone to a new level this year after winning the Group 1 George Ryder (1500m) in the Autumn, defeating Fangirl and Ceolwulf at weight-for-age.

Gringotts scored back-to-back victories when he shouldered the 62kg for a dominant performance in the Listed $3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on November 4. 

Maher has followed a similar campaign this Spring as he heads to Kembla Grange fourth-up, and at his most effective distance.

Gringotts main chances have all drawn poorly, and this gives his jockey, Nash Rawiller a couple of options from barrier seven, where he's likely to take a sit and be saved for one crack at them with his 61kg.

The forecast of possible rain today and Saturday shouldn't dull Gringotts chances as he's adept on soft going with four wins from five starts.

Currently hovering around $2.10 favouritism, don't be surprised if the bookies take him on late and $2.50 could be possible at jump time.

Our next best comes up in the Abax Civil Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m), with the talented Quietly Arrogant.

The Peter Snowden-trained three-year-old has been gelded over the break after having mixed success in his two-year-old season, when racing at Listed and Group level.

The son of Capitalist finds a winnable race and has looked "airborne" in two very good trials.

Tommy Berry hops aboard and the $7.50 looks great each way value.

SYDNEY SPECIALS

Race 8 No. 1 - GRINGOTTS

Race 6 No. 12 - QUIETLY ARROGANT