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Oaks Plan For Newcastle Filly

3 minute read

Lightly-raced Newcastle filly Think Free can join stablemate Aliferous on the path to the Queensland Oaks if she passes her first test in stakes company at Doomben on Saturday.

The So You Think three-year-old makes her Brisbane debut in the Listed Princess Stakes (1615m) with Ron Stewart as her rider.

The Kris Lees-trained Think Free is a member of the Australian Bloodstock team and has raced only six times for three wins at Scone twice and Newcastle.

Her only defeat was at her last start on a heavy track when fifth in the Kembla Grange qualifier of the Provincial Championships on March 23.

She returns to her own age and sex on Saturday, and has drawn an inside gate in the capacity field.

“This race will give us a clearer picture as to whether we continue with a Queensland Oaks campaign,” Lees said.

“It’s a good test for her at set weights, but she keeps improving and deserves her chance.”

The $500,000 Queensland Oaks (2200m) will be run at Doomben on June 1.

Aliferous
Aliferous Picture: Racing and Sports

Lees has decided to spell last Saturday’s Australian Oaks third placegetter Frankely Awesome but will press on to Brisbane with his G3 Adrian Knox Stakes winner Aliferous following her fourth in the Randwick classic.

Aliferous will run at Rosehill a fortnight before the Oaks and then go to Queensland,” he said.

Lees is not concerned that a wet weather forecast will hinder the chances of any of his Doomben representatives on Saturday.

He also runs Power Command, Hallelujah Boy and Tawfiq Boy and is happy with all three.

“Power Command has trained on well since her first-up win on soft ground at Doomben three weeks ago,” Lees said. “She has drawn nicely, and should run well again.

“Hallelujah Boy is honest and not without a chance, more so with the field now reduced to eight runners.

“Tawfiq Boy, like Think Free and Power Command, has drawn well. He is an open race but he is always a chance.”.

Lees has also sent Graff for a spell before he is prepared for spring assignments while Doukhan and Big Duke remain in training after running in last Saturday’s Sydney Cup at Randwick.

His other Sydney Cup runner Red Cardinal has gone for a break but Lees is giving Big Duke a freshen-up ahead of a Brisbane trip.


Racing and Sports

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