RIVELLINO READY TO “JUMP” ANOTHER GROUP 1 HURDLE

KRIS Lees has given Rivellino some barrier practice in preparation for tomorrow’ Group 1 Inglis Sires (1400m) at Royal Randwick.

And whilst the leading Newcastle trainer says it hasn’t made much difference, he isn’t concerned about him on the eve of the $1m feature.

Rivellino’s unbeaten record ended when he was slowly away before finishing an outstanding fourth to Marhoona in the $5m Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens a fortnight ago.

“He isn’t the best away, and that will probably be the case again tomorrow,” Lees said this morning.

“But he’ll be fine. It’s a smaller field than the Slipper, and he is back at Randwick where he won his first three races.

“I’ve always felt he would be better suited at 1400m to 1600m, and I couldn’t be happier with how he has trained on since the Slipper.”

Lees tagged the Too Darn Hot youngster as the best two-year-old he has so far trained.

It’s high praise given his former outstanding mare Samantha Miss ran second to Sebring in the 2008 Sires, and then turned the tables on the colt a week later in the Group 1 1600m Champagne Stakes.

Rivellino now has a fortnight to this year’s Champagne at the All Aged Stakes meeting at Randwick on April 19, and his Sires’ performance and his subsequent progress will determine whether he proceeds to that major.

“I’m mindful that this is his first racing preparation, and this will be his fifth run,” Lees said.

“But he is showing no signs of coming to the end of it.”

As well as Rivellino, Lees takes You Wahng, El Jasor, Age Of Sail, Fulfilled, and Miss Busslinger to Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships – and all will race in blinkers.

Craig Williams rides You Wahng in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) and El Jasor in the Group 2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m), Dylan Gibbons partners Age Of Sail and his father Andrew Fulfilled in the Chairman’s, and Kerrin McEvoy rides Miss Busslinger in the Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes (1200m).

“You Wahng has had only four starts, and keeps improving,” Lees said.

“She won first-up at Scone over 1400m and her next run when seventh (beaten only one and a half lengths) in the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) was excellent.

“There’s no reason why she won’t manage the 2000m.

“El Jasor, Age Of Sail and Fulfilled have all been targeted at the Chairman’s and have light weights, but it’s not going to be an easy race to win.

“Their performances will determine whether they back up next week in the Sydney Cup (3200m).

“Miss Busslinger is fitter for two runs back and made nice ground when a close third at Wyong last time.

“She is a very capable filly and not without a chance at big odds.”

. Lees withdrew Rustemo from the $200,000 Wellington Boot (1100m) last Monday when he drew awkwardly, and instead he goes to Hawkesbury tomorrow.

Stable apprentice Ben Osmond rides the youngster in the 2 & 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m).

Rustemo has raced only once when a close fourth to stablemate Gobi Desert in the Max Lees Classic (900m) at Newcastle on November 16.

“He has had two trials in preparation for his resumption, and this looks a suitable race in which to kick him off,” Lees said.

Story John Curtis, April 4, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos