LEADING Newcastle trainer Kris Lees sends debutante Rivellino to Royal Randwick
tomorrow hoping to get the same result as he did with the youngster’s dam.
The Too Darn Hot colt from the So You Think mare Intrinsic tackles the 2YO Maiden Plate (1000m) on the strength of a strong Rosehill Gardens barrier trial victory just before Christmas.
Rivellino covered ground in the 900m trial on December 23, but showed a good turn of foot in the straight to beat his rivals comfortably.
“Kris sent Rivellino to Sydney for the trial with the intention of kicking off his career in this race,” stable spokesman Danny Greer said.
“Jay Ford rode him in the trial and gave a good report, and he is an excellent judge, so we’re looking forward to seeing him race well on Saturday, especially from an inside barrier.
“Rivellino trialled in blinkers and will wear them on Saturday, and also has ear muffs pre-race to help keep him settled on the way to the barrier.
“Kris had the opportunity of being able to book our apprentice Ben Osmond to take advantage of his city claim.”
Osmond is likely to use 2kg of his 3kg allowance to lessen Rivellino’s weight to the 55kg minimum. A $180,000 Inglis Classic yearling sale purchase last year, Rivellino is the second foal on Intrinsic, with whom Lees won on debut in May 2017 at Wyong in a 2YO Maiden Plate (1100m) as favorite against her own sex, ridden by Hugh Bowman.
Osmond will partner all three Lees runners at the Randwick meeting.
The Bopper contests the Benchmark 88 Handicap (1200m), and Oakfield Duke tackles the
Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m).
“Kris decided to bypass the Listed Canterbury Sprint last Wednesday with The Bopper in favour of the Benchmark 88,” Greer said.
“He has taken nice improvement from his first run back, and Ben will be able to use all his 3kg claim. Oakfield Duke is resuming and coming along nicely, but will definitely take improvement from this run.”
Lees is at the Gold Coast inspecting Magic Millions yearlings, and won’t mind at all if there is further rain ahead of tomorrow’s twilight meeting there.
Loch Eagle (Jason Collett) lines up in the $500,000 The Wave following a heavy track victory over 1800m at Eagle Farm on December 14.
“Loch Eagle is the class runner of Saturday’s race having earned close to $2m,” Greer said.
“He will be hard to beat again especially if the track is wet (a Soft 6 rating was posted this morning).”
Lees’ other Gold Coast representative is Wollzeile (Tim Clark) in the Gold Pearl (1100m) for two-year- old fillies
The daughter of Tassort launched her career when sixth to Vein Girl in the Debut Plate (1000m) at the first meeting held under lights at the Gold Coast on December 20.
“Wollzeile will have gained experience from that first run, and has remained at our Gold Coast base,” Greer said.
“She can run well but has to overcome an awkward alley.” Story by John Curtis, 3 January 2025.
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