Newcastle trainer Kris Lees is building an impressive team for the Sydney autumn carnival.
Lees will welcome Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist to his stable and also has the smart mare Lucia Valentina in his care.
And Onemorezeta can be added to his autumn chances following her victory in the Group Three Gucci Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on Thursday.
Ridden by Damien Oliver, Onemorezeta ($8.50) scored a long-neck victory over Eloping ($5.50) with Tawteen ($6.50) a half-head away third.
Lees said Onemorezeta would be given a break before preparing for an autumn campaign.
After winning a maiden race at Muswellbrook, Lees had intended to take the filly back to the bush racetrack but instead headed to Warwick Farm on October 8 where the filly posted a strong win.
He said it was only after that victory that he decided to bring the filly to Melbourne.
“There wasn’t much at home for her,” Lees said.
“We thought if she could be competitive and pick up some `black type’ then we would.
“We were a little concerned when we brought her down and the race come up as strong as it did, but having D Oliver on certainly helps.
“She’s come along way in a short time.”
Lees, who had just his second Melbourne Cup runner on Tuesday with 13th-placed Lucia Valentina, said he is looking forward to welcoming Protectionist to his stable.
“He comes up around the weekend. His box is waiting,” Lees said.
