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Kris Lees has opted to kick off two-year-old Pomade’s career in Brisbane on Saturday because he considers it the better option.
Lees' Queensland jockey Andrew Mallyon will ride Pomade in the 2YO Handicap (1050m) at Doomben.
Pomade, a colt by four-times Group 1 placegetter Star Turn, is the first foal of the twice country winner Spotty Socks, and fetched $70,000 at the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders' Association sale held in Sydney last year.
He races in the familiar grey and red colours of successful breeder-owner Alan Bell, and will sport blinkers for his debut.
"Pomade is a nice colt, who has trialled okay," Lees said this morning.
"I decided to run him in Brisbane first-up because it's the better option as he isn't quite ready to go to Sydney.
"He has drawn awkwardly from the 1050m start, but I'm expecting him to race well."
Lees also accepted with Strange Charm (1350m Class 6 Plate), Continuation (2000m Benchmark 78 Handicap), and Mystic Gem (1200m 3YO Fillies' Handicap) – and Mallyon also rides that trio.
Accomplished wet tracker Strange Charm comfortably won a Benchmark 78 Handicap at Doomben on New Year's Day over the same course; her fifth victory on soft ground.
"She has drawn awkwardly, but has enough pace to roll across," Lees said.
"With rain around, there's no reason why she won't run well again.
"Continuation has come back well, and wasn't far away at Doomben at his last run over 1640m.
"Going up to 2000m is a better assignment.
"Mystic Gem has now raced twice since resuming, and there were some excuses for her latest run in a Doomben midweek when she began awkwardly.
"She is nicely drawn and going to 1200m suits."
. Miracle Day is Lees' sole representative at tomorrow night's Canterbury meeting.
Hugh Bowman rides the former Victorian sprinter in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m).
Miracle Day won his first three starts since joining Lees' team at Muswellbrook, Newcastle and Canterbury before finishing fourth to What Could Be in a similar race over 1100m at the latter track on January 7.
"I feel 1200m will suit him better tomorrow night," Lees said.
"He has performed well in both Canterbury runs to date, and should run well again."
