Newcastle’s premier trainer Kris Lees hopes the region’s recent major race successes continue to flow through to the $1 million The Hunter this weekend.
In the past fortnight, syndicators Australian Bloodstock triumphed with Gold Trip in the 2022 Melbourne Cup, collecting a nice windfall of $4.4 million, while local owners snared the $2 million Five Diamonds at Rosehill with Ellsberg.
For his part, Lees captured the $2 million Big Dance with Rustic Steel at Royal Randwick.
“Yeah, it was really good for connections,” he said.
“When you set a horse a long time out for a specific race, it’s very pleasing when it pays off.
“There’s also great prizemoney on offer for runners that probably wouldn’t get that opportunity.”
Now, he’s focussed on claiming the spoils again on Saturday 12 November when Hugh Bowman takes the ride on Gem Song over the 1,300m distance at the Newcastle Racecourse.
“It would certainly be nice to win,” Lees said.
“The Hunter’s become our number one race, as it’s probably overtaken the Newcastle Cup, even though it’s only had three editions.
“But, with that attractive prizemoney – and being a stand-alone Saturday – it’s certainly grabbed everyone’s attention.
“It’s been very well-received.”
Lees believes Gem Song, which has garnered almost $800,000 in prizemoney, is a strong chance in good company.
“He’s in really good order,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“He is a multiple Stakes winner on this track.
“So, he’s a horse who really loves his home circuit.
“Don’t get me wrong, this will be a pretty competitive race, with the likes of In The Congo and Apache Chase entered.
“Gem Song will need a little luck in winning.
“However, if he gets that, he’ll be right in the finish.
“He’s got a bit of weight, but he’s deserved that, and will race well.
“It should be a good edition of The Hunter.
“Even from the nominations, there was plenty of depth in the field.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
Despite boasting two “seconds”, Tactical Advantage and Special Reward, in the first two runnings of The Hunter, Lees would love to break through for his maiden victory.
“It’s a home race and $1 million in prizemoney – that’s a pretty good incentive, isn’t it?” he said.
“I think everyone’s trying to win these great races, it’s a competitive environment we’re in.
“And, a race of this calibre attracts the right horses.
“So, to win [here], would be a little bit more satisfying.
“There’s no added pressure on me… what will be will be.
“Pus, it’s been good prizemoney for the horses who finished second every year.
“It’s just about having the right galloper at the right time.”
Gates open from 11am with the first race at 12.20pm.
For more sports stories:
- Kavanagh targeting The Hunter’s $1 million bounty
- The Hunter: A fashionable day for racegoers
- Sky’s the limit for towering league teen Hunter Dever
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