Polished run by unbeaten colt Gem Song

Kris Lees has a welcome dilemma after Gem Song extended the unbeaten start to his career with an impressive win at Rosehill.

The Newcastle trainer must decide whether to press on to Brisbane with the talented Gooree Stud-owned colt, or hold off for spring.

Lees was delighted to see Gem Song showcase her versatility after enjoying a smooth passage to his maiden win at Warwick Farm last month.

Gem Song ($4.20) had to negotiate traffic in the TAB Rewards Handicap (1100m) and found space in enough time with Jason Collett to run down Miss Invincible ($10) and score by a half head.

Brilliant Mind, the $101 outsider, made an encouraging debut by claiming third, a half length further back.

“Once he got a bit of daylight he really let down,” Lees said.

“He sat outside the leader in his first start so it’s a good trait that he’s adaptable.”

Lees was not surprised Gem Song was able to emerge from a tricky predicament in the straight, though Collett’s ride did attract scrutiny from Racing NSW stewards after he bumped Knockout Girl and Brenton Avdulla with about 250m to travel.

“I rarely bring them to town for their first start unless they show us enough,” Lees said.

“We’ll see how he comes through today to see whether he pushes on to Queensland or give him a break.”