GOSFORD’S Belle Of The Turf runner-up Zoe’s Promise initially wasn’t going to back up in tomorrow’s $250,000 The Wave (1800m) on the opening day of the Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival.
After she worked at home on Tuesday morning, trainer Kris Lees opted to take advantage of the extended entry deadline for the race and later put her on a float north.
He has booked Tim Clark to ride the mare, and stable spokesman Danny Greer says she is ready to maintain the consistent form she has shown since joining the stable for this current preparation.
In four starts for Lees, Zoe’s Promise was a 1600m Royal Randwick winner in December and has been placed at her three other runs.
“Zoe’s Promise went super in the Group 3 Belle of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Gosford last Thursday; unfortunately she ran into another mare (Lekvarte) who is absolutely flying at present,” Greer said this morning.
“Kris felt The Wave was a suitable race to back her up just over a week later.
“The 1800m might be some query tomorrow, but she is in great order and a good draw should see her get every chance.”
The Wave is run at weight-for-age, and Zoe’s Promise carries 56.5kg; 0.5kg less than she had at Gosford.
Zoe’s Promise is one of five runners for Lees at the Gold Coast, including three in the Rising Stars 3&4YO Class 4 Plate (1300m) for fillies and mares.
They are Extessive (Michael Rodd), Hellavadancer (Mark Zahra), and Chilli Filly (Clark).
“Chilli Filly is the pick of our trio,” Greer said. “She won nicely at Randwick on Boxing Day at her first start in town, and has trained on well.
“Obviously, this is tougher but she is a lightly-raced filly with upside and has an inside draw.
“Extessive tries hard, but is awkwardly drawn and Hellavadancer has taken improvement from her first-up run at Wyong last month and also has drawn well in the big field.”
Lees’ other representative is Surreal I Am (Josh Parr) in the $250,000 Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1400m).
“Surreal I Am blew the start when on debut on the Beaumont track on Boxing Day, and did a good job to finish third to Pins and Needles.
“This race isn’t easier, but he has taken natural improvement from that run, and another good draw in a capacity field puts him in with a good chance.”
.
Lees will start Terrameades and Bangetta at Canterbury this evening, with Dylan Gibbons to ride both.
“Kris has substituted winkers for blinkers on Terrameades,” Greer said. “His Coffs Harbour run last week was only fair, and we’re hoping trying something different with the change of gear works.
“Bangetta was withdrawn from a Canterbury race on New Year’s Day when she drew awkwardly. She was good in winning at Scone last time, and this looks a very suitable race for her to break through in town.”
. At Randwick tomorrow, the stable’s representatives are Kinloch (Benchmark 88 Handicap, 1200m), Rogue Bear (Benchmark 78 Handicap, 2000m), and Orlabent (Benchmark 72 Handicap, 1100m).
Nash Rawiller rides Kinloch, stable apprentice Ben Osmond partners Rogue Bear, and Dylan Gibbons has the Orlabent mount.
“Blinkers come off Kinloch first-up, and he has drawn poorly,” Greer said. “We’re going to try to get some cover with him from the wide barrier, and he is going well.
“Ben gave Rogue Bear a nice ride when runner-up over 1800m at Randwick on December 23, and takes 3kg off his back again.
“Rogue Bear is racing most consistently, and the extra 200m suits. He is ready to win.
“Orlabent looks over the odds. He ran well first-up over 1000m at Randwick, has taken improvement from that and is nicely drawn.”
. Promising filly Imposant (Andrew Gibbons) gets the chance to make it two wins from as many starts, in a Class 1 Handicap (1300m) at tomorrow’s Wyong meeting.
The Epaulette filly created a good impression when first-up and, at only her second start, was an easy winner against her own sex on the Beaumont track on December 16.
“Gibbo gave her a good wrap afterwards, and was keen to stay with her,” Greer said.
“She remains against her own sex, and has drawn the rails, which is always an advantage at Wyong.
“We really like her, and she should be hard to beat.”
French Marine (apprentice Amy McLucas) and Five Crowns (Gibbons) both resume in the Provincial Benchmark 68 Handicap (1200m).
Story John Curtis, January 5, 2023 - Pics Bradley Photos
Comments