Trainer Kris Lees has high hopes for recent stable additions

By Chris Roots
Updated April 25 2014 - 6:18pm, first published 5:44pm
Heading north: Newcastle trainer Kris Lees. Photo: Ryan Osland
Heading north: Newcastle trainer Kris Lees. Photo: Ryan Osland

Newcastle trainer Kris Lees will use the final day of the Sydney carnival to test the Brisbane winter credentials of Hera and Slow Pace.

The pair are at different ends of their preparations, but Lees is targeting group 1 races.

Slow Pace, a French import, was third in the Newcastle Newmarket at his Australian debut and then failed in the Doncaster Mile, but gets to a trip that should suit in the Japan Racing Association Plate (2000 metres) at Randwick on Saturday.

“This is his chance to show us what he can do and if he was to run a good race the Doomben Cup is there for him,” Lees said.

"You can excuse his run in the Doncaster because of the [very heavy] track. He is a stayer and getting to 2000 metres will be a help for him and I think this race will show us where he is.

“It is a nice race for him, but having said that, he has form around Tres Blue [a rival on Saturday] in Europe and never beat him home.”

Hera will have her first start for Lees in the JB Carr Stakes after Australian Bloodstock purchased her following good form in New Zealand.

“She was bought before her last win over 2000 metres in New Zealand and we are looking at her as a Queensland Oaks filly,” Lees said.

“Because she went a little deeper into the summer in New Zealand we gave her a long break. The plan is to take on the sprinting fillies here then the Roses and the Oaks.”

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