3 minute read
Kris Lees is hoping the Caulfield track tomorrow stays in the “Soft” range for Sydney Cup placegetter Raheen House.
The import is one of the outsiders for the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), but his trainer says he can definitely run well if he gets conditions to suit.
"Raheen House is going better than his form might indicate," Lees said this afternoon.
"I'm hoping the track doesn't dry out. If it stays in the soft range, I'm sure he can run a better race than his current price ($41) suggests."
Raheen House, who ran third to Etah James in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick in April, has raced twice since resuming.
He didn't make any impression when 10th in Paths Of Glory's Listed Wyong Cup (2100m) on September 4, but that was run on a good surface.
Hugh Bowman will ride Raheen House and also stablemate Chief Ironside in the $500,000 Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).
Whereas Raheen House has drawn the outside in a field of 11, Chief Ironside has a favourable barrier (three in a field of 15).
Chief Ironside was an excellent third to Rock when resuming in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1500m) at Newcastle on September 18, and has since won a 1000m barrier trial on the Beaumont track on October 2.
"Chief Ironside showed his ability last spring when he won the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley before joining our team," Lees said.
"I'm happy with the way he is coming up this time, and a Soft 5 shouldn't worry him, but he wouldn't want it heavy."
Raheen House and Chief Ironside were floated to Melbourne midweek, and accompanied by The Metropolitan runner-up Mugatoo.
A decision on a Caulfield Cup (2400m) start tomorrow week or whether connections wait and hope he makes the Cox Plate (2040m) field at Moonee Valley a week later is yet to be made.
"We'll be closer to making a final decision after seeing the results from tomorrow's racing," Lees said.
John Allen is on standby to ride Mugatoo in the Caulfield Cup, where he has 53.5kg – 3.5kg less than he carried when narrowly beaten by Mirage Dancer in last Saturday's Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick.
. Meanwhile, Lees is likely to have only one Randwick representative tomorrow; Sammy (Nash Rawiller) in the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes (1500m).
Iconic Star is a doubtful runner in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m) because of her wide barrier.
Though Sammy is the outsider of the small field, Lees believes his lightly-raced three-year-old is capable of an upset.
"I know he is up in class, but this isn't the strongest Stan Fox line-up by any means," he said.
"Sammy is going well. Nothing went right for him at his last start at Wyong and that can be forgotten.
"He is continuing to improve, and the 1400m on the big track will suit him."
Lees has decided to take blinkers off Sammy, who has raced only four times for one win and two placings.
