Markets suggest Miss Fabulass is the clear pick of Kris Lees’ two runners in the Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick but the in-form trainer isn’t so sure.
Lees will saddle up the $2.70 favourite along with El Dorado Dreaming ($14) who enters her second campaign for the Newcastle-based horseman after being transferred from the stable of suspended trainer Ben Smith.
“There’s not a great deal between them, not as much as the market has got them,” Lees said.
“The barrier draw is probably more favourable to El Dorado Dreaming but they’re two very good fillies in for good preparations.”
The richly-bred Miss Fabulass, a daughter of champion Frankel out of the Lees-trained star filly Samantha Miss, progressed from a maiden win at Canterbury to win at Group Two level in just her second racing preparation.
Lees says she has matured physically since the spring but still isn’t the complete package and will need luck from a tricky barrier draw in eight.
“Physically, she’s fine but she’s still got a few little chinks in her make-up that I think consistent racing will iron out,” he said.
“The alley probably means we’ll have to be very neutral out of the barriers so she will probably be ridden further back than she has been.
“But I think that’s the best way to get her to switch off and she’ll be strong late.”
El Dorado Dreaming returns to Sydney after campaigning exclusively in Melbourne during the spring when she notched a trio of Group Two placings over sprint and middle distances.
Her best form is over further than the 1200 metres of the Light Fingers Stakes, a traditional autumn starting point for three-year-old fillies, but Lees still expects her to run a cheeky race.
“She’s pretty bombproof. I’m really happy with how she’s going,” he said.
“Whether 1200 is probably a bit sharp for her, she’ll be strong late.”
The fillies will remain on a collision course during the early part of the autumn with both slated to run in the Group One Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick two weeks from Saturday.
