Kris Lees admits being disappointed with the early part of Princess Posh’s campaign but the mare has shown she can still be a force with a come-from-behind win at Rosehill.
Princess Posh won a heat of the Provincial Championship but ran 10 lengths last in the $500,000 final in April.
The trainer backed off her with the intention to bring her back to race on wet winter tracks.
While the usual Sydney wet weather has yet to eventuate, Princess Posh ($5.50) has shown she is prepared with her win in the benchmark 80 handicap (1400m) on Saturday, coming from worse than midfield to overhaul the other equal favourite Magic Alibi by a neck.
“She paraded really well today and is coping with racing,” Lees said.
“She is much better with give in the ground, which she didn’t get today.
“We will keep her going now and hope we get some rain.
He said a nice race for her could be the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on July 14.
Gerald Ryan, trainer of the runner-up, said Magic Alibi would also step up to Listed company for her next start.
“The plan has always been to head to the Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich so she’ll go there in two weeks,” he said.
Magic Alibi had to give Princess Posh 2.5kg after Lees utilised Jean van Overmeire’s 2kg claim.
Van Overmeire remains within striking distance of Rachel King in their battle for the Sydney apprentices’ premiership, with two months remaining this season.
