Kris Lees is likely to keep two recent debut winners apart with only Singa Songa expected to take her place at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Singa Songa and Karamea are both entered for the Styletread.com.au Handicap (1200m) but a wide barrier for Karamea is likely to see her saved for a race at Scone on Saturday.
Singa Songa, by Group One-winning sprinter General Nediym out of Group One Brisbane Cup winner Portland Singa, ran up to her short quote ($1.75) on debut at Gosford when winning by 1-1/4-lengths in maiden company.
“I thought it was a good solid win on debut and I don’t know she was suited by the 1000 metres,” Lees said.
“It was questionable opposition and she faces a steep class rise tomorrow, but in saying that I think she’s suited up to 1200 metres and she has a favourable draw.”
Singa Songa will be ridden by Hugh Bowman from barrier two in the 14-horse field which includes the Adam Duggan-trained topweight Fox.
Fox has also been in winning form with two successive provincial victories.
The filly had finished fourth in the Kindergarten Stakes last season and split Do You Think and Manawanui on debut at Canterbury in March.
Lees said Singa Songa was a natural galloper, more like General Nediym than her staying-bred mum Portland Singa.
“She shows a bit at home in trackwork and is a real racy type of filly,” Lees said.
“I think she’s still got a fair way to go and a bit to learn though. She’ll need all the breaks tomorrow but she’s capable.”
Karamea won by 1-1/4-lengths in an 1100m maiden at Scone and Lees said a discussion with the Savabeel filly’s owners would determine whether she lined up at Canterbury.
“I’d say she will more than likely go to Scone on Saturday,” the trainer said.
Lees is hoping five-year-old mare Single Play can bounce back to form in the Flinders Lane Perfect Fit Shirt Handicap (1100m) from a wide draw.
Single Play won three straight races in the first half of last year but hasn’t won since.
Lees will also start Big Bad Joel in the Vinery Stud Handicap (1100m).
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