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Kris Lees is forecasting a much better performance from Top Prospect at Doomben on Saturday.

Expatriate South African Sean Cormack, who rode stablemate Graff in the recent Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm, partners Top Prospect  in the Benchmark 90 Handicap (1615m).

The gelding didn't run up to his close fourth to Grand Piano in a Benchmark 88 Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on May 9 three weeks later when only sixth to La Pulga in a Benchmark 90 Handicap (1600m) at Doomben.

"They went too quick for him that day," Lees said this evening.

"He has the inside alley on Saturday and can certainly bounce back.

"I'm expecting him to run well."

Lees has withdrawn dual acceptor Snowzone from both Doomben races because of poor draws, but will start Magnolia Power  and Frozen In Style as well as Top Prospect.

Andrew Mallyon rides both Magnolia Power in the Class 3 Plate (1110m) and Frozen In Time in the 3YO Fillies Handicap (1200m).

"Magnolia Power is not without a chance, and Frozen In Time is a real little trier," Lees said.

"She has raced well at her last two starts on the Kensington track, and just needs a bit of luck from an awkward draw to be in the finish."

. Lees has four acceptors at his home track meeting at Newcastle on Saturday, but has listed Elegant Grace as a doubtful starter in the Class 1 Handicap (1200m).

He will rely on Awesome Lad, who has been gelded since his only start when he narrowly won a Maiden Plate (1200m) at Gosford on January 16.

"He was a handful and needed to be gelded," Lees said. "He has had two trials to get him ready for a return and is going okay."

Grant Buckley rides Awesome Lad, whilst Andrew Gibbons partners Alam Mo Na in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (2310m) and Hard Lady in the Class 2 Handicap (1400m).

"Alam Mo Na has had three runs back and needs to find form," Lees said.

"Hard Lady scored first-up at Tamworth and then wasn't far away when sixth at Wyong earlier this month.

"She is a consistent mare who should run well again."