LITTLE Beginnings will go back to the scene of the “crime” rather than tackle the Big Dance Eligible Mudgee Cup.
Kris Lees opted for a Benchmark 78 Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday with the gelding, bypassing Friday’s Cup (1400m).
He won the Mudgee event in a breeze with Tavi Time last year when it was run at 1600m, and gave his reasons on Thursday afternoon why he chose not to try to win it for the second year in a row.
“The Big Dance later in the year at Royal Randwick is not for Little Beginnings because the 1600m is beyond him,” Lees said.
“Mudgee is probably an easier race than the one at Rosehill, but Little Beginnings won first-up there in a midweek Benchmark 72 Handicap over Saturday’s distance, so it makes sense to go back there.
“Our apprentice Ben Osmond’s 3kg claim means he comes down 2kg for the rise in grade.
“Little Beginnings has done well since his November 13 win and, whilst this is harder, he is in good order and should run well again.”
Lees will have three runners at the Rosehill meeting, with Bestower (Benchmark 72 Handicap, 1800m) and Spangler (Benchmark 94 Handicap, 1400m) also taking part.
Jason Collett rides Bestower, and Osmond also partners Spangler.
“Bestower was unlucky not to have won the Cessnock Cup (1850m) when a late closing third at Newcastle last Sunday,” Lees said.
“She has her quirks and is up in class, but I don’t think the quick back-up will be a problem.
“Spangler ran a terrific race when fifth to Uzziah in a Benchmark 94 Handicap (1300m) at The Hunter meeting at Newcastle on November 16 at his first start in 12 months.
“He had a suspensory issue, but has trained on well since his return race and can go well again.
“Any rain would definitely boost his chances.”
Lees has three runners at Friday’s twilight meeting on the Kensington track.
Tasoraay (Nash Rawiller) and Alliri (Chad Schofield) contest the respective colts and geldings and fillies’ divisions of the Maiden Handicap (1300m), whilst Barazin (Collett) tackles the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1800m).
“Both three-year-olds can run well but Alliri is going to need some luck to overcome her outside draw,” Lees said.
“Tasoraay has been placed at two of his only three starts, and was beaten less than a length in a Super Maiden Plate (1200m) at Canterbury on November 20.
“Barazin was strong late when runner-up at Wyong last time over 1600m, and getting to 1800m will suit him.
“He has a nice gate, and has come on nicely from the Wyong race. I expect him to run really well.”
Thundering Soul also was a Kensington acceptor for the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1250m), but instead will run at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Andrew Mallyon will ride him in a 3YO Benchmark 70 Handicap (1400m).
“Thundering Soul is a QTIS horse, and is racing consistently,” Lees said.
“This looks a race where he can be very competitive again.”
Lovesmelikearock (Listed Just Now, 1300m) and Inver Park (Listed Tails Stakes, 1500m) are Lees’ other Eagle Farm representatives.
Damien Thornton rides Lovesmelikearock, and Mallyon partners Inver Park.
“Lovesmelikearock has to overcome the outside barrier, but this doesn’t look to be the strongest renewal of the Just Now,” Lees said.
“Inver Park returned to winning form at the Sunshine Coast metropolitan meeting last time at his third run from a long break.
“From a favorable draw, he looks certain to run well again.”
Story John Curtis, December 6, 2024 - Pics Bradley Photos
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