Kris Lees is already well represented at the Queensland winter carnival, but there is still scope for Turnberry to join his established star Le Romain and promising colt Graff in Brisbane.
The Newcastle trainer will be at Doomben on Saturday but he will still take a keen interest closer to home when Turnberry runs in the Wilson Asset Management Handicap (2000m) at Randwick.
A three-year-old gelding, Turnberry is on trial to press on to the Group One Queensland Derby (2200m) at Doomben on June 9.
Turnberry was gelded during a let-up, following a run at Gosford in March and he made an encouraging return when finishing runner-up to Kurnel Jaxon at Warwick Farm on May 16.
“He’s an honest horse and it was a good first-up run,” Lees said.
“He’s on trial to get to Queensland so he’d want to be doing something here.”
Lees is also interested in how filly Heat Haze fares when she has her first metropolitan start in the Supporterhub Handicap (1400m).
The Fastnet Rock three-year-old has two wins and a placing from five starts spread between Newcastle, Tamworth and Taree where she was a last-start winner.
“She’s a well-bred filly for Gooree (Stud) and she’ll keep improving as we stretch her out in trip,” Lees said.
“It’s a big jump in grade but I think she’s capable of competing at that level.”
