BETTER DRAW GIVES INFANCY THE CHANCE TO SETTLE CLOSER IN THE HUNTER

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KRIS Lees believes a favorable draw in tomorrow’s $1m The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle can help offset pregnant mare Infancy’s normal racing pattern.

The leading Newcastle trainer considers Infancy (Jason Collett) is the pick of his three representatives as he strives to win his home town’s richest race for the first time after four minor placings in the first seven runnings.

Infancy, who is in foal to the multiple Group 1 winner Anamoe, has drawn barrier five in a capacity field of 16.

“She usually gets back, but the draw certainly gives her the chance to settle closer,” Lees said this morning.

“If she can do that, I’m sure she can be in the finish with luck behind her at the right time in the straight.

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“She is going really well at present.”

“Jason knows Infancy well, having won the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick in autumn last year on her when she produced the brilliant finish she is capable of.

“I’ve seen stronger editions of The Hunter, but tomorrow’s renewal is very open.”

Lees says Infancy may have one more run after The Hunter before being retired, and will be offered for sale at the Magic Millions broodmare sale next May.

A homebred who races in the Australian Bloodstock colours, Infancy is on the verge of millionaire status; her latest second to favorite Lazzura in the $2m The Invitation at Randwick on October 24 picking up $400,000 and boosting her prizemoney earnings to just over $964,000.

Along with Infancy, Lees also starts Brudenell (Tyler Schiller) and Lord Of Biscay (Daniel Moor).

“Brudenell was placed in The Hunter at big odds last year when he drew the inside barrier,” Lees said.

“He hasn’t fared anywhere near as well this time, and we’ll roll forward on him.

“Lord Of Biscay won the $1m Provincial-Midway Final (1400m) at Randwick in April, and has trained on well since coming back from Melbourne where nothing went right for him after drawing wide at Caulfield last month.

“He is very capable on his day, and should get a nice run from a favorable draw.”

Whilst Lees is yet to win The Hunter, he has won the Max Lees Classic (900m) named after his legendary late father, and will try to do so again tomorrow.

His two runners are debutantes Bronze Lion (Tim Clark) and Inside Perfection (Tyler Schiller).

The colt Bronze Lion defeated the filly Inside Perfection in an 800m trial at Gosford on October 28.

“There’s not a lot between them, but Bronze Lion has drawn the better, and that is reflected in the market,” Lees said.

“He races in a tongue tie, but it’s not a concern as he wears it in most of his gallops.”

Bestower (Schiller) in the Listed The Beauford (2300m) is Lees’ other Newcastle runner.

“If she gets the race run to suit, she will definitely be a strong chance,” Lees said.

“Her two runs back have been good, and the big track gives her the opportunity to return to the winning list.”

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Lees will have three runners at tonight’s opening Canterbury evening season.

Valorous Power (Tim Clark) lines up in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1550m), Power Of The Brave tackles the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m), and Beneath The Rock runs in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1250m).

Stable apprentice Will Stanley will ride the latter pair, both of whom also were acceptors for Newcastle tomorrow.

“Beneath Ther Rock is my best chance tonight,” Lees said.

“She is going in the right direction, and was excellent last time when placed at Warwick Farm at her first city start.

“She has drawn the inside, and Will’s 2kg claim brings her 60kg down to 58kg.

“Valorous Power and Power Of The Brave have both drawn awkwardly.

“Valorous Power is a chance, whilst Power Of The Brave has returned from a Brisbane campaign and is well suited here.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, NOVEMBER 13, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS