Well-travelled mare Delectation Girl will begin the latest chapter of her career when she makes her Australian debut at Rosehill.
Owned by Australian Bloodstock, Delectation Girl made her debut in Europe where she won two Group Three races before heading to America where her best result in five starts was a fourth in stakes company.
She arrived at the Newcastle stable of Kris Lees a couple of months ago and while she took time to adjust and acclimatise, Lees has been happy with her recent progress.
The mare has had two barrier trials, winning the latest in which her opposition included high-profile stablemate Le Romain.
Lees has picked Saturday’s Precise Air Handicap (1100m) to kick her off in and says while Delectation Girl’s best form is over further, her work indicates she is sharp enough to be competitive at Rosehill.
“Funnily enough, her European form has her as a miler,” Lees said.
“She’s been just a little aggressive here, maybe having been to America, whether that has made her a little bit fiercer now.
“That said, she’s trialled nicely and I think she’s in for a nice preparation on what I’ve seen of her.”
Lees’ Rosehill team also includes the lightly raced Front Sight who has shown promise at his five starts, highlighted by a provincial win last month.
The three-year-old is raced by Gooree Stud and has taken time to come to hand but Lees believes he has a bright future.
Significantly, Lees has put blinkers back on the gelding after he finished runner-up to Saturday’s rival Wimlah at Wyong on July 17 and, combined with an ideal barrier draw of five, Lees is confident Front Sight can turn the tables on his last-start conqueror.
“I don’t think there was a real lot in it last time and the blinkers back on will help,” Lees said.
“He’d gone a month between runs into that race too, so the quick turnaround now will suit him.
“It looks a very competitive race and there are a number of chances, but he’s drawn well so I expect him to race well.”
