“But, I’m hopeful of having a runner in it this year and possibly two – why not?”

Kemp will head to Clifton on Saturday, only about an hour’s drive from his Toowoomba stables, with two starters in the Country Cups Challenge qualifier.

Former Victorian Fort William spearheads the attack with Spooky Spirit.

Like Kenny Rogers’ famous song, The Gambler, Kemp is keeping his cards close to his chest and is not counting his money despite his seat at the table.