NEWCASTLE COLT “SPOT ON” FOR MELBOURNE GROUP 1 ASSIGNMENT
KRIS Lees says Under Focus couldn’t be better ahead of his Group 1 “grand final” at Flemington on Saturday.
The leading Newcastle trainer arrived back in Melbourne today to saddle the colt for the $2m Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), and Blake Shinn has the mount.
“Under Focus is in really good order,” Lees said.
“I couldn’t be happier with him going into this race.
“He settled in nicely after arriving in Melbourne early last week, and had a good look at the straight track (where the Coolmore Stud will be run) in an 800m jumpout last Friday when fourth against some of his main rivals on Saturday.”
Under Focus drew the rails barrier in a field of 14 (which includes three fillies), but Lees says it’s anyone’s guess as to whether that is a good thing or not.
“Who knows how the straight track will play,” he said.
“But rain is forecast for Saturday, and that won’t worry him at all.
“His first win in Sydney as a two-year-old was on a ‘Soft 7’, but he is just as effective on good ground as he showed with placings at his last two starts in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) and Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens.”
A $300,000 Inglis Australian Easter yearling purchase last year for Yu Long Investments, Under Focus takes on the “big boys” The Next Episode and St Gotthard, who cost $2.8m (Magic Millions at the Gold Coast) and $2.7m (Inglis Easter) respectively.
And there’s also the brilliant filly Satono Glow, who was a $260,000 New Zealand yearling purchase at Karaka last year.
Whilst Under Focus is Lees’ sole Flemington runner at the opening of the four-day Melbourne Cup carnival, he has a number of acceptors at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Rivellino (Dylan Gibbons) and Night Agent (Tom Sherry) are his representatives in the $10m Group 1 Golden Eagle (1500m).
“Whilst they’re both outsiders, we’re hoping they can finish off well and pick up some good prizemoney,” Lees said.
“Rivellino has come on since a good first-up run after a long break, and Night Agent never got on the track in the same race, but won impressively at Randwick before that (beating Unleeshing, who has won twice since).”
Damien (Tommy Berry) and Bestower (Chad Schofield) contest the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1300m) and Benchmark 78 Handicap (2000m) respectively.
“Damien is resuming and has had the benefit of two trials this month,” Lees said.
“Whilst he will take benefit from this run, he has raced well fresh in the past.
“Bestower was good first-up in a shorter 1500m Benchmark 88 at Rosehill, drops back in grade and is always capable in these middle-distance races.”
Lees also accepted with Tavi Time (Sam Clipperton) in the Listed Sydney Gold Cup (2000m), but has delayed a decision about running him.
“He has drawn awkwardly, and may go to Melbourne instead (there are two suitable races at Flemington next week).”
There is a real Newcastle connection with Under Focus.
The three-year-old dam Under Lights was purchased as a yearling for $100,000 by internationally successful trainer Paul Perry.
However, the Fastnet Rock mare never made it to the racetrack, and Under Focus (by Too Darn Hot) is her second foal.
STORY JOHN CURTIS, OCTOBER 29, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS
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