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Lees Takes 'Blind Punt' In Tatts Tiara

3 minute read

Trainer Kris Lees is taking a blind punt by removing the blinkers from his classy mare Invincible Gem in Saturday’s $500,000 Tattersall’s Tiara at Doomben.

Lees said he had no special reason for the gear change on the mare in Australia's last Group One race for the season.

“I’m just trying something different, she has had them on in races for a long time,” Lees said.

“Invincible Gem has had no luck at her last couple of runs.”

Invincible Gem
Invincible Gem Picture: Racing and Sports

Invincible Gem (Jeff Lloyd) will be joined in the Tiara by her Queensland-owned stablemate Just Dreaming (Damian Browne).

Invincible Gem followed a luckless third to Osborne Bulls in the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at the Scone carnival on May 12 with a ninth to Santa Ana Lane in the G1 Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) at Doomben on June 9.

She drew awkwardly and though never in contention, finished the race off with purpose.

Lees believes Just Dreaming is a knockout chance at big odds.

“She never runs a bad race, and wasn’t far away in the Coolmore Classic at Rosehill in the autumn,” he said.

“Just Dreaming has drawn well and is such a genuine mare that I’m sure she will give a big sight.”

At Randwick Lees will give former Kiwi filly Pierina her first Sydney start after two out of two wins since coming from New Zealand.

Savabeel filly Pierina carries the same colours and is by the same sire as G1 winner Lucia Valentina.

Lucia Valentina’s NZ owner Lib Petagna sent Pierina to Lees earlier this year after only two starts at home, and she has quickly developed into a winner.

She overpowered her rivals to land a first-up maiden win over 1000m at the Scone carnival on May 11 before beating subsequent winners Popular and Musical Genius in a C1 over 1200m at Gosford 20 days later.

Any comparison with three-time G1 winner and $4.3 million earner Lucia Valentina would be futile, at this stage at least, but Lees is confident his filly is ready to perform in the city.

“She has done everything right so far, and this looks a suitable race to try her against city class,” he said.

“Pierina keeps improving, and has trained on strongly since her Gosford win.

“Obviously it’s another step up, but the manner in which she races suggests the big track at Randwick will suit her.”

Pierina is yet to race on heavy ground but was placed on a soft surface in a Newcastle trial in April.

Karavali
Karavali Picture: Racing and Sports

A heavy surface certainly holds no fears for Lees’ older mare Karavali at Randwick when she takes on the open company event over 1600m.

“She has had an unorthodox preparation, going up and back in distance, but I had to take advantage of the weekend conditions,” Lees said.

Karavali loves wet ground, and also races well at Randwick.”

Lees has booked talented Kiwi apprentice Sam Weatherley, who has joined leading trainer Chris Waller on a loan arrangement for three months, to ride Star Reflection in the BM 85 over 1400m at Randwick.

“He wouldn’t be in Sydney if he couldn’t ride,” Lees said.

Lees also will be represented by recent winner Princess Posh (Jean Van Overmeire).

“Both mares can handle the ground,” Lees said. “I have a slight leaning toward Princess Posh, but Star Reflection is due for a breakthrough.”

Lees has decided to put blinkers on Aide Memoire when she returns to Sydney racing on Saturday.

Lees worked Aide Memoire at the Gold Coast on Tuesday morning then shipped her back home when he became aware she would not secure a start in Saturday’s G1 Tatts Tiara (1350m) at Doomben.


Racing and Sports

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