Lees Looking for Success with Another Kiwi Filly

Media Release - Thursday April 2

Newcastle trainer Kris Lees was pleased to get a win on the board with Lib Petagna’s handy staying filly Elisa Carolina but is taking little credit for her victory at Wyong last week.

Elisa Carolina - image Bradley PhotographyThe three-year-old daughter of Makfi transferred to Lees from Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh, whose staff returned home once Covid-19 alert level 4 restrictions came into play in New Zealand.  

Lees has had good success for prominent Kiwi owner Petagna, whose bloodstock and racing interests are managed by respected agent Bruce Perry.

The winner of a maiden at Te Aroha for Marsh, Elisa Carolina showed plenty of grit to stave off her rivals in an on-speed victory over 2100m at Wyong and she will now back-up in Saturday’s Gr.3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick, where she has drawn barrier 14.

“She’s a tough filly,” Lees said. “Stephen (Marsh) left her over here in great order. I only got her on the Wednesday before the race, so I can’t take much credit. She’s Stephen’s horse.

“It was good to get a win with her. It is a big jump in grade this weekend but it is not the strongest Adrian Knox and she deserves her opportunity.

“I’d say we’d be rolling forward and will put her in place. From what I have seen of her, she probably lacks a turn of foot, but being a daughter of Makfi she will probably handle a rain affected track if the forecast rain eventuates.”

Lees said depending on how the filly performed on Saturday, there is a chance she would contest the following week’s Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m).

“That would be three weeks in a row, but if she ran well and under the current climate, it would be strongly considered,” he said.

Advertisement

The sit and sprint nature of last week’s Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) failed to reveal any fillies who look best suited to the additional 400m of the Oaks, with the even nature of the staying fillies providing further encouragement to run Elisa Carolina in the 2400m contest.

“Probabeel was great again and I know class can get you home in the Oaks but whether she is a genuine 2400m filly, time will tell.”

Lees has previously tasted success with Petagna-owned staying fillies, with triple Group One winner Lucia Valentina a clear standout.

“We have a number for Lib and Bruce at the moment and they’re a pleasure to train for. We have some promising fillies coming through for them.”

Lees, who has seven horses entered for Saturday’s Randwick meeting, nominated imported galloper Raheen House as one for the punters to follow in the Gr.2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m).

“I’m looking forward to seeing Raheen House over 2600m on soft ground and he will back up in the Sydney Cup all going well.” – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Gilgai Farm Bred and Sold Nepotism Another Inglis G1 Star
Outstanding colt Nepotism (Brutal) scored one of the most remarkable G1 wins by a 2YO on an Australian racetrack in recent memory, coming from last to secure a last-stride victory in today’s Champagne Stakes at Randwick.
Aussie Bred Stakes-Winner in Japan
Arrowfield Stud graduates had another super successful weekend of racing with Little Black Dress (Snitzel) a stakes-winner New Zealand, Shangri La Spring (Castelvecchio) a Group winner at Randwick, Matusalem a new SW for The Autumn Sun and then in Japan on Sunday three year-old Shalaa (IRE) colt Invincible Papa won the Listed Keiyo Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama.
Sires With Winners - Friday April 18
Here is the full list of 47 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Too Darn Hot SW for Legend Racing
The colours of Bon Ho and his Legend Racing were in the winner’s circle in the UK overnight with three year-old Too Darn Hot (GB) gelding Glittering Legend taking out the Listed Burradon Stakes (1m) at Newcastle.
Coolmore Announce 2025 Fees
Coolmore have announced fees on their 2025 roster with the exception of Wootton Bassett (GB), who is confirmed as coming to Australia, but his fee still to be decided.
The Instructor Delivers a Lesson in Listed Hareeba
Winner of the Listed MRC Blue Diamond Preview at two, four year-old Russian Revolution gelding The Instructor has had some lengthy spells in his career to date, but has been at his best since returning to racing this year and gave everything he had to cling on and win the $200,000 Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m).
Kiwi bred Jimmysstar Wins Crackerjack G1 All Aged
Former Kiwi galloper Jimmysstar has stamped himself as one of the most exciting sprinters in Australia with a brilliant victory in the Gr.1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Saturday April 19
Here is the full list of 121 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Sunday April 20
Here is the full list of 68 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Private Life Confirmed for Coolmore Roster – Fee Set
Coolmore have announced that Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas winner Private Life will join the stallion roster this spring becoming the first son of champion sire Written Tycoon to stand at the farm.