BLINKERED ZAPHOD READY TO BOUNCE BACK

BLINKERS on and definitely worth another chance!

That’s the word from the Kris Lees stable in regard to Zaphod’s chances at Royal Randwick tomorrow.

Both Zaphod (Dylan Gibbons) and Rogue Bear (Jay Ford) line up in the Benchmark 88 Handicap (1800m).

“Zaphod’s last start defeat at Randwick on May 24 in a similar race over 2000m can be forgiven,” stable spokesman Danny Greer said this morning.

“Although the track was rated a ‘Heavy 9’ that day, it was extremely tough going for many horses and, like Zaphod, quite a number were spaced that day.

“He has blinkers on, his first-up run at Randwick (second to subsequent Gosford Gold Cup winner Les Vampires) was good, and his best form has been at 1800m.

“It’s a much better track tomorrow, and he can bounce back for sure.

“Rogue Bear has taken improvement from his first-up run at 1400m and gets to a more suitable distance, but Zaphod is our preference.”

Zaphod started $3.30 favorite in that May 24 race and was beaten 24 lengths behind $41 bolter Glory Daze in an uncharacteristic performance.

Lees has decided to start Memoria at Randwick in the Benchmark 94 Handicap (1200m) rather than the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic (1200m) at the Ipswich Cup meeting.

“Memoria drew well in both races, but Kris chose to keep her here,” Greer said.

“Molly Bourke rides her and will be able to claim 0.5kg.

“Memoria has drawn well and is very genuine as evidenced by the fact she hasn’t finished further back than fourth in seven starts this campaign, and has won a couple.

‘Whilst she is up in class, she drops 2.5kg on her last run.”

. Lees has four runners at Ipswich, headed by Queensland specialist Bubba’s Bay (Andrew Mallyon) in the Waterhouse Classic.

“The important point here is that Bubba’s Bay has drawn a good gate,” Greer said.

“She drew awkwardly and had to work when seventh in the Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm a fortnight ago.

“With a much better gate this time, she should get a more economical run.”

Mallyon also rides Barazin (Benchmark 78 Handicap, 1666m) and Bestower (Provincial Stayers Final, 2500m).

“Barazin is resuming and has drawn poorly, and is going to need a good run in transit,” Greer said.

“He will take improvement from this race, but has run well fresh before.

“Bestower is going to 2500m for the first time, but we believe she will manage it.

“She is fit, and this race looks to set up nicely for her.”

Lutetia (Damien Thornton) is the stable’s other representative in the T L Cooney (1350m) at set weights for three-year-olds.

“Lutetia has run well in Listed races at Eagle Farm at her last two starts,” Greer said.

“She has been lightly raced and has always shown enough to suggest she can win a nice race.”

Story John Curtis, June 20, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos