For a filly bred to get over a bit of ground, Urgent Bells continues to surprise Kris Lees.
Urgent Bells resumes at Cessnock on Tuesday in the De Bortoli Wines Class 1 Handicap over the 900m scamper.
Lees is hopeful the daughter of Pentire can have a fruitful campaign and graduate to better class races in Sydney.
Purchased as a weanling in New Zealand, Urgent Bells is part-owned by Edward Throsby, the son of Central Coast-based racehorse owner David Throsby who raced numerous top-class horses including Encosta de Lago, one of Australia’s leading sires.
“She’s bred to get ground but she’s got plenty of toe (speed) which is surprising,” Lees said.
“While she’s only small, she gives the impression she can get to at least midweek company in Sydney, if not something better.”
After two encouraging trials, Urgent Bells debuted with a solid second to Beauty’s Choice over 900m at Newcastle on November 27 before winning a Cessnock maiden on December 17.
The filly was turned out immediately to mature further.
Since coming back into work, Urgent Bells has pleased Lees.
“I’m happy with what she’s done on the track,” Lees said.
“She’s come through her trial well, I was pleased with what she did. She’s ready to go.”
Urgent Bells led when she scored in an 800m trial in slow going at Wyong on May 2.
Lees had the filly entered at Muswellbrook last Monday.
“I scratched her because of the heavy track,” Lees said.
“Hopefully the track dries out a bit at Cessnock by Tuesday.
“I think she’ll handle it slow, I just don’t want it to be heavy.”
Urgent Bells will be ridden by evergreen Robert Thompson, who won on the filly at Cessnock.
AAP TURF