Written by Paul Vettise
Kris Lees is pondering a change of tack with his well-performed stayer Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {USA}) after an emotion-charged victory in the G3 Newcastle Cup.
The local trainer has recorded several placings in his home track feature before his talented 6-year-old charged to victory in the Sharp Electronics-sponsored feature in the Australian Bloodstock colours.
“It’s not a time-honoured event for others, but it’s our home-town Cup and it means a lot to a lot of people, our staff and Australian Bloodstock so I am very relieved and grateful,” Lees said.
"It’s our home-town Cup and it means a lot to a lot of people, our staff and Australian Bloodstock so I am very relieved and grateful." - Kris Lees
While Mugatoo has won up to 2900 metres, Kris Lees is considering a crack at a much shorter 1600 metres Group 1 assignment for the import in the immediate future, depending on the weight he will be asked to carry.
“I’d suggest he is probably Epsom-bound, we’ll just see. If he gets a penalty we might have to look elsewhere though,” he said.
Mugatoo, who had won both of his previous starts at Rosehill, was given a cosy run by Kerrin McEvoy in sixth spot and one off the fence to the turn and he came with a well-timed run to breeze beyond the pacemaker Hush Writer (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}).
The winner’s stablemate Attention Run (Ger) (Hurricane Run {Ire}) was third ahead of Paths Of Glory (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}).
“I was getting a little worried on straightening when he wanted to lay in a touch, but he’s a really good horse and he’s got a bright future,” Lees said. “It’s very rewarding, a great feeling.”
Tops in Tibbie
All Saint’s Eve (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) took a major step toward a long-term Group 1 goal when she added the G3 Yarraman Park Tibbie S. to her burgeoning record.
Her fourth win from just eight appearances from John O’Shea’s yard, the 4-year-old raced in behind the speed on the rails and rider James McDonald was able to come across heels to see daylight 200 metres from home.
All Saint’s Eve responded positively when asked to sprint and she quickly asserted her superiority to account for Yamazaki (Real Saga) and Wandabaa (Wandjina).
“We were keen to get her up in the ratings this season so we could get a nice weight for the G1 Coolmore Stud Classic in the autumn. We’ll see where the handicapper sees her after this and maybe give her one more before a break,” O’Shea said.
“She’s a delight to train and an honour to train for Waikato Stud and Rosemont Stud and always special when James rides them. She got held up a bit at the top of the rise, but she dashed when she got through.
“She’s been going so very well this preparation and the team at home have done a wonderful job with her and put a lot of time into her to get her ticking over, it’s a lovely reward.”
Rock Epsom-bound again
Rock (Pierro) produced a stirring performance to successfully defend his G3 Australian Bloodstock Cameron H. title to confirm plans for another tilt at a Group 1 feature.
As he did 12 months ago, Rock came from the back of the field with long strides to win going away by 3.75l with sights now set on the G1 Epsom H. in which he finished fifth behind Kolding (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) last year.
The Team Hawkes-trained Rock was making the second appearance of his spring campaign at Newcastle off the back of a fifth placing in the G2 Tramway S.
“His first-up run was really good and round the home turn everyone knows it gets a bit wet on the fence and his wheels were spinning a bit and he hit the line well over the last 100 metres,” Michael Hawkes said.
“He just seems to love it here and needs dry tracks. It was a perfect ride from Tommy (Berry) today and he gave him the perfect run.”
Rock settled in the last couple and when Berry had him in clear air at the top of the straight the gelding hit top gear and mowed his opposition down.
Just Thinkin’ (So You Think {NZ}) looked to be under pressure before the turn, but he got going along the fence to grab second from Chief Ironside (GB) (Lawman {Fr}) and The Candy Man (Casino Prince) who hit the line well for fourth.
