“EAGLE” GETS ANOTHER CHANCE FOR 2000M ESSAY

KRIS Lees says he is keen to give last start winner Loch Eagle another chance at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday to extend his maximum winning distance.

Loch Eagle will be the leading Newcastle trainer’s representative in the McKell Cup (2000M) as he attempts to add the Listed feature to his success in the race with Frankely Awesome in 2020.

Stable apprentice Ben Osmond retains the ride on Loch Eagle even though it is a non-claiming event.

Rising seven-year-old Loch Eagle has won eight of his 40 starts from 1200m to 1800m, and his earnings are bordering on $2m.

The gelding has had two 1600m runs this preparation, including his latest victory at Royal Randwick on June 7 when Osmond’s 2kg claim paved the way for him to defeat Grebeni and Quietness.

Loch Eagle was successful over 1800m on heavy ground at Eagle Farm last December, but failed two starts later in the Magic Millions Trophy at the Gold Coast when he stepped up to 2200m.

“He was at the end of his preparation then, and I’m prepared to overlook that failure,” Lees said today.

“Loch Eagle is in great order, and I’m keen to give him his chance to win at 2000m.

“Ben gave him a great ride at Randwick, and deserves to stay on him.”

Lees also runs the consistent Tasoraay (Ben Osmond) in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m), and has opted for a gear change.]

Blinkers come off the three-year-old, and winkers go on.

The lightly-raced gelding has returned in great style, scoring first-up at the Scone carnival over 1300m on May 16 before a close second to Don’t Forget Jack over Saturday’s course and distance a fortnight ago.

“Tasoraay makes his own luck by putting himself on the speed,” Lees said. “He has drawn well and will run well again.”

With Osmond’s claim, he meets Don’t Forget Jack 3.5kg better this time.

The barrier draw hasn’t been kind to Lees’ two runners, Bubba’s Bay (Andrew Mallyon) and Infancy (Jason Collett), in the final Group 1 of the season, the Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Both mares have drawn off the track in a capacity field.

“Bubba’s Bay is fitter and has enough pace to get across, whilst Infancy gets back anyway,” Lees said.

Kind Words (Kerrin McEvoy) gets winkers for her Brisbane return in the Listed Tatt’s Gold Crown (2100m).

“She is bursting to win a race, and just needs some luck in running from an awkward draw,” Lees said.

Damien (Tim Clark) also has drawn poorly in the Listed Tattersall’s Stakes (1400m) as he seeks a second Brisbane victory this campaign.

Story John Curtis, June 26, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos