Trainer hoping for Winx effect
TRAINER Kris Lees conceded the ‘Winx Factor’ hasn’t rubbed off on Weigela.
Winx is part-owned by Debbie Kepitis who also races Weigela, a starter in the Class 1 Handicap (1400m) at Coffs Harbour today.
But where champion Winx just keeps on winning, scoring her 32nd win in succession in the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill last Saturday, Weigela has managed only one win in 10 starts.
“The day Weigela won his maiden last month came two days after Winx won first-up (Apollo Stakes),” Lees said.
“After Weigela’s race I remember sending a text to Debbie which read: ‘You haven’t had a winner like that for a while ... two days in fact’.
“Weigela’s Ballina maiden win was the only time the ‘Winx Factor’ has flowed over to him.
“He disappointed me at his next start on the Gold Coast but the Coffs Harbour race should suit him better.
“I know the horse is entered for an online auction this week, so another win would be handy.”
Weigela is on the third line of Ladbrokes betting at $5.50 behind Trust In Cash, the $4.50 favourite.
Lees is also sending favourite Raiden to the Coffs Harbour for the Clare Park Thoroughbreds Open Handicap (1000m).
Raiden has been burdened with 61.5kg but Lees has decided against using a claiming apprentice, booking in-form jockey Andrew Gibbons for the ride.
“He should be able to carry that weight over 1000m without a problem,” Lees said.
Lees, who leaves for Dubai today to oversee Brave Smash’s preparation for the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night this Sunday, can still have a significant presence on the final day of the Golden Slipper Festival at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
The champion Newcastlebased trainer has stayers Red Cardinal, Big Duke and Doukhan entered for the Group 1 $1.5 million Kia Tancred Stakes (2400m) and top fillies El Dorado Dreaming and Frankely Awesome in the Group $500,000 Vinery Stud Stakes.