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Racing

Lees chasing rare big-race double with Rivellino and Age Of Sail

Trainer Kris Lees is trying to engineer another Randwick Guineas upset while he breaks new ground on racing's international stage on Saturday.

Lees maintains he "can't fault" forgotten colt Rivellino going into the Group 1 $1 million Randwick Guineas (1600m) at Royal Randwick.

And the champion Newcastle trainer has his first starter in New Zealand when Age Of Sail lines up in the Group 2 $NZ600,000 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie.

Lees will be at Randwick where he is striving for a second win in the Randwick Guineas after his $21 outsider Le Romain upset Caulfield Guineas winner Press Statement a decade ago.

RIVELLINO winning the CATANACH'S JEWELLERS SKYLINE STAKES
RIVELLINO winning the CATANACH'S JEWELLERS SKYLINE STAKES Picture: Martin King / Sportpix
Fast forward to Saturday and Lees might be excused for feeling a sense of déjà vu with Rivellino rated a $41 chance against a crack field of three-year-olds including Caulfield Guineas hero Autumn Boy, the $2.50 favourite.

Rivellino comes off a last start fifth to Ninja (Autumn Boy was third) in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) two weeks ago.

"I realise Rivellino is big odds but I can't fault him and when he last ran over the Randwick mile he was luckless in the Callander-Presnell (second to Ohope),'' Lees said.

"This is obviously a stronger race and I think this is a really good crop of three-year-olds but he wasn't far off them in the Hobartville.

"We felt it is the right time to put a tongue-time on him for the Guineas and, in a perfect world, I'd like a touch of rain, but I do think he is ready to run really well.''

Trainer : KRIS LEES after, RIVELLINO winning the INGLIS MILLENNIUM
Trainer : KRIS LEES after, RIVELLINO winning the INGLIS MILLENNIUM Picture: Martin King / Sportpix
Lees said tough mare Kind Words is also better suited going out to 1600m for the Group 3 $250,000 Aspiration Quality.

"Kind Words was posted three-deep last start so it was a 'forgive' run,'' Lees said.

KIND WORDS winning the GOSFORD RSL BELLE OF THE TURF STAKES at Gosford in Australia.
KIND WORDS winning the GOSFORD RSL BELLE OF THE TURF STAKES at Gosford in Australia. Picture: Bradley Photos
"But back to a mile is more her style and this is a nice lead-up into the Epona Stakes over 1900m in two weeks.''

At Ellerslie, Age Of SaiI, a son of English superhorse Frankel , contests the Auckland Cup at the "Super Saturday" meeting.

Age Of Sail, winner of the Port Macquarie Cup and a close second in the Australia Day Cup, tuned up for the 3200m staying test with a fast finishing effort when sixth to Lord Penman over 1400m at Rosehill two weeks ago.

"Age Of Sail is my first runner in New Zealand,'' Lees confirmed. "The owners are all Kiwis and were keen to have a runner.

"But I think the Auckland Cup is like a Group 3 here and I feel he can be competitive. He's in good order and had a look at the track during the week.''


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