Search

show me:

Lees chasing a second Wyong Cup with three stable mates

3 minute read

Kris Lees will have three runners as he chases a second Wyong Cup next Friday.

Lees this morning named Raheen House , Attention Run  and Big Duke  – all Australian Bloodstock imports – as his representatives in the Listed $160,000 Gold Cup (2100m).

RAHEEN HOUSE
RAHEEN HOUSE Picture: Bradley Photography

He won the race in 2016 with another Australian Bloodstock import, the now retired Slow Pace (Robert Thompson), who revelled in the heavy ground to score at $18.

Raheen House and Big Duke are geldings, whilst the mare Attention Run will attempt to become the first of her sex to take the Wyong feature since Bianca scored in 2008.

ATTENTION RUN
ATTENTION RUN  Picture: Steve Hart

Bianca a fortnight later completed the Wyong-Newcastle Cups double, with Lees' then stable stalwart County Tyrone finishing third in the latter race.

Continuation was an acceptor for Sunday's Cup Prelude at Wyong over the Cup distance, but is racing at Gosford today instead.

He has already been withdrawn from tomorrow's Eagle Farm meeting.

Lees has five acceptors on a "Good 4" surface at Eagle Farm (rail out 5.5 metres), with dual representatives in two races.

He runs Articus (Robbie Fradd) and Tawfiq Boy (Michael Cahill) in the Quality Handicap (1400m), and Aliferous (Matt McGillivray) and Top Prospect (Sean Cormack) in the Open Handicap (1825m).

"Articus is in his right grade at this stage of his career and comes in well under the conditions with the minimum weight (54kg)," Lees said.

"If he can find his old form he would definitely be a good chance, especially from the inside draw, but has to be taken on trust.

"Tawfiq Boy ran well last time when runner-up in a Benchmark 80 (1200m), but is back up into open company."

Lees has sent Aliferous to his Gold Coast stable to line up at Eagle Farm. She was third emergency for tomorrow's Group 3 Premiers Cup (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens.

"Her latest third at Randwick a fortnight ago over 1400m was her first start since late May, and I didn't want to miss out getting a run with her at the weekend," he explained.

"The Brisbane race appears to be very suitable for her. My only concern is whether the track becomes too firm.

"Aliferous will have another 2000m run, and it's a possibility she could tackle the Newcastle Cup (2300m) on September 18.

"Top Prospect needs everything to go his way. If he gets the right run, he can be competitive."

Lees is hoping to end his other Eagle Farm acceptor Stella Sea Sun's career on a winning note.

Andrew Mallyon will ride her in the Class 6 Plate (1200m).

"This will likely be the mare's last run before she goes to stud," Lees said.

"Stella Sea Sun has freshened up nicely, and has drawn well."

There are already five withdrawals from the Class 6 Plate, leaving only nine starters.

. Pacy mare Witherspoon missed a run at Moonee Valley last Saturday when heavy rain forced the cancellation of the last four races on the program.

She will go back there next Saturday to contest the McEwen Stakes (1000m), a $200,000 Group 2 event to be run at weight-for-age.


Racing and Sports

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au