The feature race day of the Sydney summer has often proven a successful target for Kris Lees, and he will again be well represented with runners in three of the four stakes races at Randwick.
In the past decade, the Newcastle trainer has won The Ingham (1600m) twice with Loch Eagle (2023) and Sense Of Occasion (2016), and the Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) with Special Reward (2021) and Zestful (2017).
He again has runners in both races on Saturday, consistent gelding Brudenell flying the flag for the stable in the sprint after being beaten less than a length at his past two starts, most recently when third in The Hunter (1300m) at his home track.
“He’s up in the weights a bit these days but he’s had four weeks between runs, and he races well like that,” Lees said.
“He was good in The Hunter. It’s probably a slight drop in grade and he needs the right run from a tricky gate (13), albeit it’s not the worst start at Randwick.”
Loch Eagle will be joined by barn mates Tavi Time and You Whang in The Ingham with track conditions on the day to determine Lees’ best chance.
Storms have been forecast for Sydney and if they hit Randwick, it will suit Loch Eagle while a firmer surface will be to the liking of Tavi Time.
“Tavi Time doesn’t need the rain, Loch Eagle needs the rain and You Whang (21), she probably needs a bit of luck from the gate,” Lees said.
“She may also need one more run. She is going well, and she is being targeted at the Magic Millions.”
Age Of Sail rounds out Lees’ stakes contingent in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) after turning in an encouraging effort last start when fourth to Saturday’s rival Asterix in The Beauford (2300m) at Newcastle.
He is chasing his first Sydney Saturday win since arriving in Australia at the beginning of last year and gets his chance this weekend.
“It looks a nice race for him,” Lees said.
