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Lees Making Magic Millions Charge

3 minute read

Trainer Kris Lees is set to make a late charge at the $2 million Magic Millions Classic with first starter Iconic Star at Randwick on Saturday.

Lees is confident apprentice Robbie Dolan’s booking can play an important part in getting the Brazen Beau fily into the final field for the MM Classic at the Gold Coast on January 12.

An $80,000 yearling purchase at this year’s Magic Millions January sale, Iconic Star needs the first prize of $58,000 to secure a berth in the Gold Coast field.

Kris Lees
Kris Lees Picture: Racing and Sports

“Kris is keen to give Iconic Star her chance in the Magic Millions if she can win tomorrow and pulls up well,” said stable spokesman Lucas Miller.

“She has trialled up well for her debut, and we felt Robbie’s 3kg claim could be a decisive factor as she isn’t a big filly.

“With only 52kg she will carry 2.5kg below the limit. She will certainly get her chance.”

Iconic Star will be suited by the 1000m at Randwick after her sharp Gosford barrier trial performance on December 18.

She flew the gates in the 800m heat against her own sex and led throughout under her own steam in 48.93 seconds.

Lees also has a team of Magic Millions contenders engaged at Doomben led by his classy sprinter Tactical Advantage.

Lees has booked last season’s Sydney premiership winner Brenton Avdulla to partner the talented sprinter from a wide draw in the Listed Falvelon Quality (1110m) where the winner gains a wildcard entry into the $1 million Magic Millions Snippets Sprint (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 12.

“Tactical Advantage’s work has been super since he won an 800m barrier trial at Gosford on December 18,” said Lucas Miller.

“He is a very smart horse and has arrived at the Gold Coast in good order.

“Unfortunately he has drawn off the track in a capacity field so Brenton is going to have to weave his magic but if he can do it Tactical Advantage will be hard to beat.”

The Bel Esprit five-year-old has a splendid record of eight wins and seven placings from only 19 starts. From four first-up assignments, he has won twice and been placed twice.

Tactical Advantage
Tactical Advantage Picture: (Mark Evans/Getty Images

Lees will rely on Envy Of All (Luke Currie) in the Listed Nudgee Stakes (120m) where the winner gains a wildcard entry into the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m) at the January 12 meeting.

Envy Of All is training well at the Gold Coast, and we’re going to attempt to be more positive with her tomorrow and race closer to the lead.”

The stable has Magic Millions 2YO Classic aspirant Vinrose with an important gear change in the $200,000 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m).

Having her third start, she will race in blinkers.

“Vinrose has jumped out at the Gold Coast and reacted well to the blinkers since her last start at Doomben,” Miller said.

Australian Bloodstock-owned Vinrose was disadvantaged by an awkward draw but made nice ground when fifth to Better Reflection in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1110m) at Doomben on December 15.


Racing and Sports

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