LEES’ BRAVE CALL FOR QE II CUP AT ROSEHILL

KRIS Lees believes it was the correct decision to make a brave call regarding tomorrow’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow.

The leading Newcastle trainer opted for the longer 2400m Listed event for Brave Call rather than the Benchmark 78 Handicap (2000m).

Brave Call had 60kg in the Benchmark 78, and has the minimum weight (53kg) in the Cup.

But that wasn’t the sole reason for his decision to tackle the open company feature with the five-year-old son of Churchill.

“Brave Call is looking for 2400m, and it’s the right opportunity to try him in stronger grade,” Lees said this morning.

“The Cup doesn’t have a big field (nine acceptors), and he is ready to run well.

“Even though he has won on wet ground, the improving track won’t do him any harm at all.”

Brave Call, who won two metropolitan races in Benchmark 78 class (the latter at 2400m at Royal Randwick) late last year, has raced twice since resuming.

“I trialled him (at the Beaumont track on May 4) in between those two races as there wasn’t a suitable race,” Lees explained.

Jay Ford will ride Brave Call, whilst stable apprentice Will Stanley is booked for Lees’ five other runners at Rosehill.

Damien tackles the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m), Wollzeile the 3&4YO Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m), Little Beginnings lines up in the CG&E Benchmark 78 Handicap (1300m), Miss Busslinger runs in the F&M Benchmark 78 Handicap (1300m), and Pier Pressure rounds out the day in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1500m).

“We’ll know where we sit with Damien tomorrow,” Lees said.

“There have been excuses for both his runs this time in, and Will’s 3kg claim is important.

“Wollzeile’s first-up at the Scone carnival last month was inconclusive.

“That was her first start for nearly a year, and she is back in class tomorrow.

“Little Beginnings is always capable, especially at Rosehill.

“He has taken improvement from his first run back at Scone, and has since had a tick-over trial.

“Miss Busslinger has been up for a while, but continues to hold her condition.

“She wasn’t far away last time at Randwick when she drew awkwardly, and is much better drawn this time.

“Pier Pressure has had the one run back from a long spell, and is getting fitter.

“She may also need this run, but I won’t be surprised to see her perform well just the same.”

Lees has both Tavi Time (Listed Wayne Wilson, 1600m) and Cloudland (Hinkler Handicap, 1200m) engaged at tomorrow’s Stradbroke Handicap meeting at Eagle Farm.

“Tavi Time has been out of luck at his last three runs,” Lees said.

“With fine weather in Brisbane today, an improving track will definitely help him.

“I’m confident he can run very well.

“Cloudland is always a chance in this type of race, and has drawn nicely.”

Lees rates Oakfield Neptune (Grant Buckley) his best at Newcastle tomorrow.

The promising lightly-raced mare lines up in the closer, the Provincial Benchmark 68 Handicap (1250m), after scoring over the same course first-up against her own sex in a Benchmark 64 Handicap on May 23.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, JUNE 12, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS