RIVELLINO PUTS UNBEATEN RECORD AND SLIPPER HOPES ON LINE AT RANDWICK

KRIS Lees is confident Rivellino will be “strong late” in his final Golden Slipper test at Royal Randwick tomorrow.

But the leading Newcastle trainer has some concerns about his unbeaten colt drawing the outside barrier (10) and main rival Shaggy getting an easy lead from an inside gate in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m).

However Lees couldn’t be more pleased with how Rivellino has trained on since his victory in the $2m Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick on February 8.

“I’m really happy with him,” he said.

“We’ll know where we are at on Saturday in regards to the Slipper.

“I’m sure Rivellino will be strong late, and hope that Shaggy doesn’t get a soft lead and there is pace on.”

Rivellino currently sits in 11th place (16 can run) in order of entry for the $5m Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 22, and the Skyline winner automatically qualifies.

Jason Collett is a new rider for Rivellino, and knows plenty about the colt as riding runner-up, the previously unbeaten Within The Law, he chased him home in the Millennium.

The barrier draw hasn’t been kind either to Lord Of Biscay in tomorrow’s second Provincial-Midway Championships Qualifier (1400m) at Newcastle.

Hat-trick seeker Lord Of Biscay (57.5kg joint topweight) has drawn one from the outside in barrier 10.

Andrew Gibbons, who partnered the import in his convincing Ballina Cup (1590m) success on January 17, stays aboard.

“I brought him back to Newcastle after the Ballina race with the Provincial-Midway series in mind,” Lees said.

“He is in good order, and has the pace to get into a good position.

“I’m sure he will run well.”

Lord Of Biscay will be Lees’ first runner in this year’s series, with the first two placegetters joining Rapt and Bojangles in the $1m Final (1400m) at Randwick on April 12.

Whilst Rivellino and Lord Of Biscay drew poorly, at least there was better news south of the border with Brudenell.

Lees has sent him to Melbourne for tonight’s Listed Abell Stakes (1200m) at The Valley, and he has drawn two in a field of seven.

“It looks a really suitable race, and I’m expecting him to run very well,” he said.

Barazin (Benchmark 78 Handicap, 1900m), Lutetia (3YO Benchmark 64 Handicap, 1200m), and Memoria and Muss Busslinger (Benchmark 78 Handicap, 1100m) will represent the stable at tonight’s season Canterbury closer.

Jason Collett rides both Barazin and Lutetia, stable apprentice Ben Osmond is on Memoria and Kerrin McEvoy partners Miss Busslinger.

“Barazin is going great guns and chasing a hat-trick, and four wins from his last five runs,” Lees said.

“He has done well since returning home from his latest Eagle Farm victory a fortnight ago.

“Lutetia has raced well at both starts this campaign, and has been improved by them and jumps from an inside barrier.

“Memoria dead-heated at Canterbury last time and, whilst up slightly in grade, has the advantage of putting herself up on the speed.

“Ben’s 3kg city allowance also is a big help.

“Miss Busslinger is resuming, but this is quite a drop from the three-year-old fillies’ races she contested last spring.”

Shuri (Class 3 Handicap, 1600m), Etude (Class 2 Plate, 1000m), and El Jasor (Benchmark 78 Handicap, 2206m) are Lees’ Eagle Farm representatives tomorrow.

Damien Thornton rides both Shuri and Etude, and Andrew Mallyon partners El Jasor, who was impressive on resumption, albeit against weaker opposition, over 1800m at the Sunshine Coast on February 9.

Lees has decided to put blinkers back on Shuri in the hope it will help her recapture winning form following two runs back at home.

Story John Curtis, February 28, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos