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Newcastle trainer Kris Lees is hoping to end the Queensland carnival with some notable feature wins including Saturday’s Group One Tatts Tiara at the Gold Coast.

Lees has kept his classy multiple Group winner Thump in Queensland to contest the final G1 race of the season.

The $500,000 Tiara (1400m) is run under weight-for-age conditions for fillies and mares and is the last G1 race of the season.

It promises to be an exciting finale with Thump adding to a star-studded field for notable Group winners.

Thump, a multiple G2 winner of the Surround Stakes and Silver Shadow Stakes as well as two G3 events, showed she was close to her best form when she ran home solidly for fourth to Excellantes in the Listed Hinkler Quality (1200m) at Doomben on June 6.

“I thought she ran well, and decided to keep her at the Gold Coast to enjoy the Queensland sunshine,” Lees said.

“She has won over 1400m and is racing as though she is looking for that trip again.”

Lees is also planning to send his promising import Doukhan to Brisbane for the $150,000 Queensland Cup over 3200m at the Sunshine Coast on July 4.

Doukhan overcame difficulties to record his first Australian win over 2400m at Rosehill on July 8.

The French import showed above average talent to win after he was badly inconvenienced at the 400m, losing valuable ground and conceding what seemed an impossible start.

Lees isn’t planning on running the six-year-old again before the Queensland Cup.

“It will be nearly four weeks between runs, but it seems to suit him,” Lees said.

“It’s a step up from the Rosehill race but the Queensland Cup isn’t usually the strongest event so we may as well have a shot at it.

“Doukhan has 3000m form in France and gives every indication he will manage the 3200m.”

Doukhan, a gelded son of staying sire Dansili, has raced only 12 times for four wins and as many placings.

Three of his wins have been over 2400m and the other at 2600m. He was also placed over 3000m at Masons-Laffitte in France last year.

The Rosehill event was only his fourth Australian start since he was purchased by Australian Bloodstock, owners of Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist.

Another Newcastle trainer Steve Hodge also has his eyes on the Queensland Cup with Lovethebeaches, the tearaway leader who held on to win the Stayers Cup over 3200m at Randwick on June 6.