LEES CHASING SECOND JUNE FEATURE NINE YEARS APART

KRIS Lees says Brudenell’s wide barrier may not be such a disadvantage as he seeks to snare his second Royal Randwick feature June sprint tomorrow.

The leading Newcastle trainer won the Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes, 1100m – then known as the June Stakes - in 2016 with Danish Twist, who clinched her fourth victory in a row after beginning that streak with a Provincial Championships Final victory over 1400m at the same track in April that year.

Lees’ former apprentice Dylan Gibbons, back in winning vein with doubles at the last two Saturday city meetings, renews a successful association with Brudenell in tomorrow’s edition.

He has ridden the prolific winner in five of his 10 triumphs, including his first in a Port Macquarie Maiden Plate (1100m) in June 2022 and then four in town.

Brudenell is topweight with 59kg, and initially drew 13 in a field of 15 for tomorrow’s assignment.

However, there are four withdrawals already and he has now come in to barrier nine.

Randwick remained a ‘Heavy 9’ this morning, and Lees wasn’t unduly concerned about Brudenell’s task.

“The field size has dropped away with the scratchings and by the time the Bob Charley is run, Brudenell’s draw might not be such a drawback anyway,” he said this morning.

“Brudenell is a very genuine racehorse as his record shows.

“His last two placings in the Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford and Luskin Star Stakes at Scone have been excellent, and gets his chance to win again.”

Lees also runs Wollzeile (2YO Handicap, 1100m) and both Amokura and Loch Eagle (1600m Handicap) at Randwick.

Dylan Gibbons rides Wollzeile, whilst stable apprentices William Stanley and Ben Osmond ride Amokura and Loch Eagle respectively.

“Wollzeile is a nice filly who ran really well when resuming at Scone, and has come on well since that run,” Lees said.

“Blinkers come off Amokura, and go back on Loch Eagle.

“Amokura is coming back after a long break because of bone bruising and will naturally take improvement from tomorrow’s race, whilst Loch Eagle ran well first-up in the Scone Cup, likes the heavy ground and races well at Randwick.”

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Lees is seeking his third success in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm tomorrow, and will be represented by You Wahng (Tommy Berry) and Éclair Encore (Damien Thornton).

“They both have chances at good odds in what appears an open Oaks, with You Wahng the preference from a better draw,” Lees said.

“You Wahng has trained on nicely since her fifth in The Roses (2000m) at Doomben a fortnight ago, and can stay as evidenced by her placing in the ATC Oaks (2400m) in April.

“Éclair Encore is a filly also with upside, and is in good form.”

Lees also starts Lutetia (Listed Queensland Day Stakes, 1200m), Rustic Steel (Listed Spear Chief Handicap, 1500m), and both Infancy and Bubba’s Bay (Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes, 1200m).

“Lutetia has drawn nicely in a big field, and has a place chance at good odds,” Lees said.

“Rustic Steel didn’t fire first-up in The Archer at Rockhampton, but this is a different proposition and I’ve taken blinkers off him.

“Both Infancy and Bubba’s Bay are definite chances.

“Infancy has drawn wide but gets back anyway, and Bubba’s Bay’s Queensland record is outstanding.”

Story John Curtis, June 6, 2025