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Trainer Kris Lees says Princess Posh is the horse with the most upside among his acceptors for the first heat of the Provincial Championships at Wyong on Thursday.

Lees qualified eight of the 15 runners in last year’s $400,000 final and snared the quinella when Danish Twist nabbed Powerline on the post.

The 2017 series launches at Wyong with each of the five provincial heats being lifted from $100,000 to $150,000 prizemoney.

Lees accepted with four horses in the 1350m qualifier but will run only three.

He said Star Reflection will be an absentee because of her wide barrier.

He will rely on Beretta (Blake Shinn), Upstart (Glyn Schofield) and Princess Posh (Brenton Avdulla).

“Princess Posh is the one with the most upside of the trio,” Lees said.

“It may have all come a bit quick for her because she has raced only three times and is not long out of maiden class but I’m sure she will be most competitive.”

Australian Bloodstock-owned Princess Posh, a three-year-old filly by Canford Cliffs, has raced only three times and been impressive in two wins since resuming; both on the Beaumont track over 1150m on January 7 and February 4.

“Beretta is resuming, and no doubt is looking for a bit further but he is certainly capable and not without a chance,” Lees said.

“The same with Upstart, who can mix his form. He has drawn the inside alley and is a chance if he puts his best feet forward.”

Beretta hasn’t raced since finishing third over 1630m at Doomben on November 12 but has been placed in both his trials at Broadmeadow on January 25 and Gosford on February 6 in preparation for his resumption.

Upstart was a splendid third to Irish Constabulary in the Country Cup (1200m) at the Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast on January 14. He then finished last of eight runners in a Benchmark 75 Handicap (1250m) at a Canterbury night meeting on February 3.

Star Reflection will be one of five horses Lees will nominated for next Thursday’s $150,000 qualifier at Hawkesbury.

His other entries for the Hawkesbury heat over 1400m will be recent Randwick placegetter Knit ‘N’ Purl, Lomazzo, Karavali and Reach For Heaven.