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Kris Lees’ emerging stayer Zaphod can take another step rising through the grades at Wyong on Saturday
Back from a successful hit and run Queensland trip, the lightly-raced four-year-old Irish import lines up in the Benchmark 88 Handicap (2100m).
Lees has taken advantage of stable apprentice Ben Osmond's metropolitan allowance (he will claim 2kg of his 3kg entitlement) to lessen the gelding's weight to 55kg, and this week's rain hasn't done his chances any harm at all.
Zaphod has started only seven times, five of them since being purchased by Australian Bloodstock and joining Lees' team, and has won three of them (all on rain-affected ground).
"I feel he is the best chance of our big team at the meeting," stable spokesman Danny Greer said today.
"Zaphod ran well first-up when narrowly beaten in a Benchmark 78 Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 30, and then won a Class 3 Plate (1820m) with 60kg at Eagle Farm on December 21.
"He has done well since returning to Newcastle, and has won on both soft and heavy ground."
Lees also runs Fulfilled (Andrew Gibbons) in the Benchmark 88. He will race in a cross-over nose band.
"Fulfilled raced a bit keenly last time, hence the gear change," Greer said. "He will take further improvement from this run."
Spangler (Gibbons) and Almania (Osmond) represent the stable in the $500,000 The Lakes (1600m) at Wyong's first ever Saturday stand-alone fixture.
"Spangler is in good order, and any more rain will benefit his prospects," Greer said.
"Almania can put in a good run fresh, and this is a nice starting point for him."
Imposant (Jay Ford) is another excellent chance in the 3&4YO Benchmark 72 Handicap (1300m).
"She was terrific first-up when second to Tuileries (who contests the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at the Gold Coast tomorrow) at Royal Randwick on Boxing Day after being held up momentarily near the 300m," Greer said.
"If she gets some luck from an awkward barrier, I'm sure she will run well again."
Ford rides debutante Damien in the 2YO Handicap (1200m) after partnering him when fourth in a 900m Rosehill trial on December 23.
"He also rode our subsequent Randwick winner Rivellino in another trial that day, and gave a good wrap for both horses," Greer said."
Valimi (Osmond) and Little Beginnings (Gibbons) both contest the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1350m) against hotpot Yorkshire.
"Valimi is going well and has improved since his first run in Australia and isn't without a chance, and a few scratchings have helped Little Beginnings' chances as he was poorly drawn in the original field.
"Russian Roni (Ford) is having his first run for us and has trialled twice, and no doubt will benefit from this run."
Meanwhile, Lees will have two runners at the Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast.
Bubba's Bay (Andrew Mallyon) tackles the $1m Fillies & Mares (1300m), and Loch Eagle (Jason Collett) backs up in the $1m Subzero (2200m).
"Bubba's Bay is chasing her 12th win. She has drawn awkwardly, but overcame a wide draw to win at Eagle Farm last time, and is such a tough mare," Greer said.
"Loch Eagle was good late when fifth at the Sunshine Coast over 1800m last Saturday, indicating he may now be looking for this extra distance and any further rain would definitely be in his favour."
