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Kris Lees Hopes High On Top Rated Imports

3 minute read

Highly-Regarded Australian Bloodstock imports Danceteria and Mustajeer are ready to begin new campaigns.

Mustajeer winning the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap
Mustajeer winning the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap Picture: Pat Healy Photography

The abandonment of Wyong barrier trials initially scheduled for last Friday and then re-programmed for this week before being scrapped because of heavy rain forced Kris Lees to make alternative arrangements to progress their autumn preparations.

"They both contested a jumpout on the course proper at Newcastle yesterday, and are ready to go to the races," Lees said this afternoon.

"Mustajeer will resume at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday week and Danceteria at Randwick the following Saturday."

The Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m) is the return target for Mustajeer, whilst Danceteria contests the Group 1 wfa Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m).

Mustajeer, who won the prestigious Ebor Handicap (2787m) at York last August, then joined Lees and was an excellent sixth to Japanese stayer Mer De Glace in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19.

However, he ran well below his best when near the tail of the field in Vow and Declare's Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 5.

Lees is pleased with his progress, and is aiming him toward the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 11.

Danceteria , a Group 1 winner over 2000m in Germany last July, also joined Lees after finishing last behind outstanding Japanese mare Lys Gracieux in the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 26.

Danceteria has been mentioned as a possibility for the $5m All-Star Mile at Caulfield on March 14, but Lees isn't warming to that at this stage.

"I think he might be looking for 2000m after the Chipping Norton," he said.

"The Ranvet Stakes over that distance at Rosehill on March 21 would seem a better option."

. Stablemates Redoute's Image and Siesta Key will line up at Eagle Farm on Saturday provided floodwaters don't hinder their trip north.

"The latest report this afternoon indicated the roads were clear on the Northern Rivers, so they are scheduled to leave by float this evening," Lees said.

Andrew Mallyon rides Redoute's Image (2YO Handicap, 1000m) and Siesta Key (F&M Class 3 Plate, 1200m), and also Wandabaa (3YO Handicap, 1000m).

Redoute's Image was runner-up on debut to Tilia Rose in the Max Lees Classic (900m) at Newcastle on November 16, and won a Newcastle trial (800m) on January 29 in preparation for a resumption.

"She is a promising filly, and this looks a suitable race for her, especially from a soft draw," Lees said.

"The same with Siesta Key, who is racing well and also is ideally drawn."

To complete the hat-trick of inside barriers, Wandabaa also looks a splendid chance in the 3YO Handicap.

"She was just caught at her last start at Eagle Farm on January 18 by Emerald Kingdom, who won again easily at Doomben 12 days later," Lees said.


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