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Lees Planning Smart Wyong Attack

3 minute read

Exciting filly Smart Melody may kick off her ambitious spring campaign at the Wyong Cup meeting on Friday week.

Trainer Kris Lees has revealed that he is seriously considering taking on all comers with Smart Melody in the $40,000 Springtime Handicap (1100m) at the Wyong meeting.

The Gooree-owned Smart Missile three-year-old was unbeaten from two starts last season at Newcastle and Canterbury when her total winning margins were more than 10 lengths.

Smart Melody delighted Lees at the Newcastle trials on Monday when she finished a close second to another talented three-year-old filly El Dorado Dreaming, winner of the G1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes at Randwick in April.

Smart Melody led the trial easily and was never extended while El Dorado Dreaming was pushed along in the last 80 metres to get the better of the Lees filly on the line.

Ridden by Aaron Bullock, Smart Melody recorded 1.01.42 in her 1000m heat, running the last 600m in 33.70. The overall time and last 600m were the fastest of three such heats.

“She did exactly what I wanted her to,” Lees said. “I realise she will be competing against older horses in the Springtime at Wyong but it seems the most suitable race to kick her off.”

Smart Melody began her career with a blistering five lengths’ victory on heavy ground in a 2YO Maiden Plate (900m) at Newcastle on June 9 then repeated the feat by a slightly bigger margin over 1100m at Canterbury on soft ground on June 27.

Stablemate Zestful, responsible for an excellent performance at Randwick last Saturday, is also a likely starter at the Wyong Cup meeting.

“She’s not retiring to stud just yet,” Lees said. “I’m looking at running her in the Mona Lisa Stakes.”

The Mona Lisa (1350m) is a $125,000 Listed race for fillies and mares at set weights and penalties, and is the main support to the $160,000 Listed Wyong Gold Cup (2100m).

Zestful was just edged out by Egyptian Symbol in last Saturday’s G3 Toy Show Quality (1300m) at Randwick.

Zestful
Zestful Picture: Racing and Sports

Lees has entered Guard Of Honour and Admiral Jello for Saturday’s Queensland metropolitan meeting at the Sunshine Coast.

Bat Out Of Hell winner Guard Of Honour, who trialled impressively at Gosford a fortnight ago, is among 12 entries for the open sprint over 1000m while Admiral Jello is nominated for a Benchmark 90 over 2200m.

Lees said his talented sprinter Tactical Advantage also may be a Queensland visitor as soon as next week.

“There really isn’t anything suitable for him in Sydney at present,” Lees said.

Dal Cielo, a winner for Les at the Gold Coast last Saturday, is also staying in Queensland.

“Dal Cielo is staying at the Gold Coast,” Lees said. “There is another race for him in a couple of weeks.”
Racing and Sports

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