Racing
Opposite Ends for Lees Runners After Newcastle Barrier Draw
The barrier draw for tomorrow’s second Provincial-Midway Championships Qualifier at Newcastle has ensured Kris Lees’ two runners will be at opposite ends in running.
Lord Of Biscay (Andrew Gibbons) and Tasoraay (Will Stanley) will jump from 12 and 13 respectively in a likely 14-horse field (with the rail out 4m) restricted to eligible provincial-trained horses.
"Tasoraay likes to be up front and will roll across from his barrier, but Lord Of Biscay will have to go back," Lees said this morning.
"It might not be an easy task, but I'm sure he will be strong at the end."
Lees is adamant last year's PMC Final runner-up Lord Of Biscay is going as well as last year.
"He is in great order for his first start this campaign, and was really good in easily winning a 1000m trial at the Beaumont track on February 12," he said.
"Tasoraay also had a little break after leading throughout to win at Canterbury in late November and then going to Brisbane for The Gateway (1400m) at Eagle Farm when he began awkwardly and lost all chance.
"He also had a nice trial when third in another 1000m heat the same day as Lord Of Biscay."
The first two placegetters automatically qualify for the $1m PMC Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 11, with Lees chasing a sixth victory in the annual series.
Lees also has several runners at his home track meeting, but has withdrawn Powerful Annie from the 1300m Maiden Handicap, and Oakfield Universe is not a definite starter in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1300m).
"Via Flaminia (Stanley) will run in this race, but is another drawn awkwardly," Lees said.
"She is a nice filly, and can definitely run well fresh if she gets some luck in running."
Lees' other Newcastle representatives are Pomelo Chamomile (2YO Maiden Plate, 900m) and Credibility (3YO& Up Maiden Handicap, 900m).
"Pomelo Chamomile ran third in the Max Lees Classic at this distance here last November when on debut at her only start to date," Lees said.
"She won her latest trial and can certainly run well fresh, but is also going to appreciate further.
"Credibility is having his first start, trialled well enough a fortnight ago and has drawn nicely."
. Cloudland puts his brilliant first-up record on the line when he begins a new campaign at Randwick tomorrow – and the rain arrived in time to boost his chances.
From eight fresh starts, the grey has won four and been placed on three occasions.
"Cloudland has trialled twice and is ready to go back to the races, and is versatile on all types of going (Randwick was rated a Soft 7 on Friday morning)," Lees said.
Leading apprentice Braith Nock will reduce Cloudland's weight to 60kg in a strong Benchmark 88 Handicap (1200m).
Lees has sent lightly-raced Night Agent (Harry Coffey) to Melbourne for tomorrow's $1m Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington.
Night Agent, a last start Port Macquarie Maiden Plate (1106m) winner, has drawn the outside in the annual feature for three-year-olds run on the straight course.
"It's a throw at the stumps admittedly, but Night Agent is a nice young horse and it's worth having a shot at a $1m race," Lees said.
"He travelled well to Melbourne and arrived safely."
Check out our FREE Interactive Speed Maps for meetings in nine countries each and every day.