In-form jockey Brad Pengelly has been rewarded for his hard work since his comeback with the ride on Kingdoms at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

Kingdoms will be taking his first step towards the Sydney spring carnival in the $100,000 30th Anniversary Hcp (1400m).

The gelding was ridden by Dwayne Dunn at his last start when sixth in the Coongy Hcp at Caulfield on October 18.

Pengelly, who gave race riding away in March 2012 after battling weight issues returned to racing in May and has been using exercise and diet to keep his riding weight around 55 kilograms.

He was at the gym doing his regular exercise program when told he had been confirmed for the Kingdoms ride.

“I try to get to the gym every day. One thing which I have learned is that the gym is a better option to the steam bath when looking after your weight,” Pengelly said.

He has been gradually building up his contact base since his return and is getting rides from many of the top stables including Kingdoms’ trainer Brian Smith.

The pair combined for a recent double at the Sunshine Coast and Smith was pleased with what he saw.

“He (Pengelly) gave them every chance and he is obviously on his way back to his best” Smith said.

Pengelly said it was great to be landing good rides from top stables again.

“I rode a lot for Brian previously and had a lot of success for him. They don’t come much better than Brian and I am thankful to get such a good ride as Kingdoms.

“Things are starting to come together but I have a way to go yet,” Pengelly said.

Smith is aiming Kingdoms at the Sydney spring with The Metropolitan again his likely target after finishing third in the Group I last spring.

Kingdoms worked between races at Doomben last Saturday and went to the line strongly.

“I am very happy with Kingdoms at this stage,” Smith said.

Jetset Lad, who won the Brisbane Cup (2200m) in the winter, will accompany Kingdoms to Sydney with his main aim being the Group III Newcastle Cup.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au