Kris Lees has been down on runner numbers this year, but it hasn’t stopped him making his presence felt as he looks to the next generation to continue to build momentum into the new season.
Heading into Thursday’s Wyong meeting, Lees had had 1006 starters this term, around 200 less than last season and 150 less than in 2021-22.
However, he has still managed to land some significant blows, celebrating a Group 1 win with Kalapour in the Tancred Stakes and feature victories with the likes of Loch Eagle in The Ingham and Rustic Steel in his hometown Newcastle Stakes.
“We’ve always had big numbers, but they can fluctuate a little and we’ve got more younger horses,” Lees said.
“There has been a bit of a changing of the guard with some older horses (retiring) as well.”
Among the fresh faces coming through for Lees is two-year-old Lutetia, an impressive debut winner over 1200m at Newcastle earlier this month.
The daughter of Justify took up the running and bounded clear in the straight, holding her advantage comfortably to the line.
While mindful she needs to raise the bar again when she steps up to Saturday city company in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m) at Randwick, Lees believes she has the quality to make a successful transition.
“Really nice filly. She did a good job to win,” Lees said.
“I’m always a little bit guarded about the opposition at Newcastle, but I think that two-year-old form on the day will hold up reasonably well and she is ready to take that next step.
“It’s not ideal coming back in trip to 1100, but I don’t know that it will be a huge concern for her, and I think she is up to this grade.”
A field of eight has been accepted for the two-year-old race, including promising Godolphin youngster Tarpaulin and Queensland visitor Barbie’s Sister, a full sibling to multiple stakes winner Outback Barbie.
If Lutetia can make her presence felt, Lees is open to continuing with her into the early part of the spring.
“Sometimes with these two-year-olds at this time of year, if they’re good enough, they can go to a better grade race with that fitness on their side and take on the better credentialed horses returning,” he said.
