Written by Paul Vettise
Kris Lees believes he has found the ideal race for former star Singapore galloper Countofmontecristo (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) to open his Australian account and add to his stakes record.
The Newcastle-based conditioner Lees will give Countofmontecristo his third start following a successful career in Singapore with multiple stakes victories when prepared by Michael Clements.
Lees believes Countofmontecristo can be a force to be reckoned with in the Listed XXXX Winter Challenge at Rosehill with James McDonald to guide the 7-year-old’s fortunes.
“I’ve been really pleased with him since he started his Australian career. He was really good first-up and then he got that atrocious track second-up and they called the races off after that, it was that heavy,” Lees said.
“Countofmontecristo ran reasonably well considering and I think he looks well-placed on Saturday with a soft draw.”
“Countofmontecristo ran reasonably well considering (the heavy track) and I think he looks well-placed on Saturday with a soft draw.” – Kris Lees
The gelding finished fourth in the Listed June S. in his first appearance in eight months and was then sixth in the Listed Winter S.
The gelding is owned by businessman Joe Singh, who has an association with the Lees stable, including the 2018 Kempsey Cup winner Zip A Dee Doo Dah (NZ) (Cecconi).
“They sent Countofmontecristo out with a view of giving him a nice break and if I was happy enough with him then to race him,” Lees said. “I’ve trained for them previously and often had a horse for them."
Chief Ironside (GB)
Lees will also be represented in the Winter Challenge by Chief Ironside (GB) (Lawman {Fr}), but isn’t expecting any fireworks from the entire in his first start for eight months.
“He’s a 6-year-old stallion and has never won first-up before and they don’t often change their pattern,” he said. “He has run creditable races I have to say, but I think he’s more of a watch and see.”
“He’s (Chief Ironside) a 6-year-old stallion and has never won first-up before and they don’t often change their pattern.” – Kris Lees
Chief Ironside won the G2 Waterford Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley for his English-based trainer David Menuisier before transferring to Lees’ care. He has yet to win a race with his best effort a third placing in the G3 Cameron H.
Another import to fly the stable flag on Saturday will be Ventura Ocean (Ire) (Raven’s Pass {USA}), who will resume in the Quayclean H.
He was a three-time winner in England for trainer Richard Fahey and made a dream start in Australia earlier this year when winning both of his starts at Eagle Farm.
Lees said Ventura Ocean had trialled well ahead of his return, which was delayed a fortnight ago due to a Heavy track and improved conditions on Saturday are expected to suit the 5-year-old.
With the progressive Rustic Steel (Deep Field) a doubtful starter in the Agency Real Estate H. due to a wide barrier, Lees’ only other runner at Rosehill is the genuine Yesmeena (Not A Single Doubt) in the Bowermans Commercial Furniture H.
“She’s going well and is up in grade and on trial at the trip, but she is a tough little filly with no weight on her back,” Lees said.
The grey 3-year-old has a win and seven placings from 13 appearances and will drop 5kg on her last-start fourth at Canterbury Park.
