Kris Lees will implement a similar formula to the one he used for Bestower’s most recent win when the mare tackles the Caloundra Cup on a seven-day back-up.
The five-year-old’s last victory came at Warwick Farm in December when she stepped out over 2400 metres off a 10-day turnaround.
At the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, she will line up in the Listed staying feature a week after finishing fourth in the Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2100m) at Eagle Farm, and Lees is hoping lightning can strike twice.
“She has raced on a ten day turnaround and won, so this is slightly tighter,” Lees said.
“But she’s come through the 2100 metre race on Saturday well. They just didn’t go quick enough for her. It was a small field and a slack speed, but she hit the line nicely.
“Whether she’s up to the grade is the question, but it’s good prizemoney and a good chance for her, and she will be suited by the big track.”
With three victories from 31 starts, Bestower doesn’t win out of turn, but she is rarely far away.
The mare has placed on another 13 occasions and has only finished outside the top five four times.
From barrier one, Lees expects a competitive performance from Bestower in the Caloundra Cup (2400m), provided the race is run at a genuine speed.
“She has a good finish if she gets the right tempo up front,” he said.
The stable will also be represented by progressive three-year-old Rustemo in the Group 3 Winx Guineas (1600m) after he kicked off his campaign with a hat-trick of wins.
They have been in lesser grade, but Lees is happy to test the waters in better company while he’s racing so well.
“He has come a long way this preparation,” he said.
“He ran about four seconds last time in and he’s put three wins together, so he has been very consistent.
“It’s a huge jump in grade for him from a Sunday race, so we’re under no illusions there, but there’s big prizemoney attached, and he has won at the track.”
Rustemo has also drawn perfectly in gate three with Michael Rodd to ride.
