LEES HAPPY WITH UNDER FOCUS’ FLEMINGTON JUMPOUT
KRIS Lees was very happy with Under Focus’ Flemington jumpout this morning ahead of his Group 1 assignment there next Saturday.
Race jockey Blake Shinn rode the Newcastle colt in his fourth in the 800m jumpout on the straight course, where he will contest the $2m Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) for three-year-olds.
The jumpout featured a number of Coolmore rivals, with Paradoxium winning, St Gotthard ran third and The Next Episode finished alongside Under Focus.
“The main goal was to give Under Focus a look at the straight track,” Lees said this morning before flying back to Newcastle.
“They let Paradoxium roll out in front and he won the jumpout easily, but I was happy with how Under Focus travelled.
“Blake was happy with him as well.
“Under Focus has settled in well in Melbourne, and will have another gallop either Tuesday or Wednesday.
“That will top him off for the Coolmore.”
Under Focus is currently at $15, along with Paradoxium, with TAB.com.au.
The Next Episode dominates betting at $2.50, and St Gotthard is a $5 third favorite.
Whilst Under Focus is his sole Melbourne visitor at present, he is considering sending You Wahng south for the $300,000 Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) on the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival (November 7).
Last year’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks winner has raced twice since resuming; the latest when fourth to It’s A Knockout in the Big Dance Wild Card (1600m) at Royal Randwick last Saturday.
A decision will be made today whether Harrybegood lines up in the Group 3 Callander-Presnell (1600m) at Randwick tomorrow, or bypasses the $1m feature to go to Melbourne for the $500,000 Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington next Saturday.
Both races are for three-year-olds; the Callander-Presnell is at set weights and the Carbine Club at set weights plus penalties.
STORY JOHN CURTIS, OCTOBER 23, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS
Comments