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2019 Doomben Cup: Kris Lees Confident Gem Song Can Handle the Trip
Trainer Kris Lees has a host of winning chances running at Doomben on Saturday, but none look more promising than $5.50 co-Doomben Cup favourite Gem Song.
The three-year-old Gooree Stud colt backs up from last week’s Members Handicap when third on the same track, stepping up beyond the mile for the first time in his lightly raced career.
Lees told RSN’s Racing Pulse on Friday morning he doesn’t think the 2000m trip will pose a problem after pulling up well following last week’s run, even with the track being downgraded to a Soft 5.
“I always thought he’d run a strong mile and be a chance at 2000m. He’s got a laid back nature as a rule, he just raced a little bit on the fresh side last week, but certainly, we’ll try him at 2000m and know we’re where at” Lees said.
Gem Song, above, looks to challenge last year’s Queensland Oaks winner Youngstar in Saturday’s Doomben Cup. Photo Credit: Kris Lees.
Gem Song had every chance last week to win on debut at Doomben sitting third at the 800m mark. The race suited the frontrunners though, while Lees thought he was a little too keen early on.
“I thought he had every chance, he found a nice run in the race, he just over-raced a little in the early stages” Lees went on to say.
“He probably just raced a little fierce into the corner, but not enough to make excuses. He bounced out of that race really well, he had a nice enough blow after that run to suggest he’d come on from that run.”
Lees will also turn his attention towards Aliferous in the Group 2 Magic Millions The Roses (2000m) on Saturday following the feature race at Doomben.
The three-year-old filly by Hinchinbrook will be first-up on debut at Doomben after running fourth in the ATC Oaks at Randwick last month.
Lees has been happy with Aliferous’ preparation, and at $9.00 odds, thinks she’s a winning chance.
“Tough filly, she had a long preparation. A good strong win in the Adrian Knox at good odds. Backed up in the Oaks and ran well, she had a nice freshen up and a trial in between. She’ll get back in the field and rely on some tempo, but tough filly I wouldn’t be surprised to see win” Lees said.
Aliferous won first-up last year at Newcastle and will race on Saturday with the blinkers off.
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